predilection

Etymology

Borrowed from French prédilection.

noun

1. A condition of favoring or liking; a tendency towards; proclivity; predisposition.
   American operating practice aims at the minimum wastage of time by locomotives at water columns and coal stages, and this predilection for shunters with high capacity tenders is thereby explained. 1941 November, “Notes and News: American Tank Locomotives”, in Railway Magazine, page 523
   The appointment as Member of the B.T.C. with "special responsibility for railway workshops" of Sir Steuart Mitchell is in accordance with Mr. Marples' predilection for non-railwaymen in the highest posts. 1962 April, “Talking of Trains: From guided weapons to the B.T.C.”, in Modern Railways, page 221
   A row of houses he regards as a row of necessary evils. The softening and degeneration of the human race he attributes to its progressive predilection for interiors and waning interest in the art of going out and staying there. 1967, Flann O’Brien, chapter 2, in The Third Policeman
   But for him the first rule of judging was to set aside personal predilection and vote the law and the facts. 29 Jun 1987, Edwin M. Yoder Jr., “Lewis Powell a Fine Sense of Balance”, in Washington Post
   ... youth’s predilection for revolt. 23 Oct 2000, Terry McCarthy, “Lost Generation”, in Time Asia
   Wilson doesn’t see any inconsistency between his socialism and his predilection for the high life. 13 Mar 2001, Marina Cantacuzino, “On deadly ground”, in The Guardian