- disposition
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—dispositional, adj./dis'peuh zish"euhn/, n.1. the predominant or prevailing tendency of one's spirits; natural mental and emotional outlook or mood; characteristic attitude: a girl with a pleasant disposition.2. state of mind regarding something; inclination: a disposition to gamble.3. physical inclination or tendency: the disposition of ice to melt when heated.4. arrangement or placing, as of troops or buildings.5. final settlement of a matter.6. bestowal, as by gift or sale.7. power to dispose of a thing; control: funds at one's disposition.8. regulation; management; dispensation: the disposition of God.[1325-75; ME disposicioun ( < AF) < L disposition- (s. of dispositio), equiv. to disposit(us) (ptp. of disponere to distribute; dispos- (see DISPOSE) + -itus ptp. suffix) + -ion- -ION]Syn. 1. nature, character, humor. DISPOSITION, TEMPER, TEMPERAMENT refer to the aspects and habits of mind and emotion that one displays over a length of time. DISPOSITION is the natural or prevailing aspect of one's mind as shown in behavior and in relationships with others: a happy disposition; a selfish disposition. TEMPER sometimes denotes the essential quality of one's nature: a glacial temper; usually it has to do with propensity toward anger: an even temper; a quick or hot temper. TEMPERAMENT refers to the particular balance of emotions determining a person's character: an artistic temperament. 2. bent, tendency, predisposition, proclivity. 4. order, grouping, location, placement. 5. outcome, result. 7. control, direction.Ant. 2. unwillingness.
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Universalium. 2010.