Predisposition

/ˌpriːdɪspəˈzɪʃən/ noun

Definition

A tendency or likelihood to have something before it actually happens, like a genetic tendency toward a disease.

Etymology

From Latin 'prae-' meaning 'before' combined with 'disponere' meaning 'to arrange or incline,' describing an inclination set up beforehand.

Kelly Says

Having a genetic predisposition to something doesn't mean you'll definitely develop it—it means you have a higher risk, which is why identical twins raised apart can have different health outcomes.

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