n.
Pronunciation: ˌ dis-p ə - ' zi-sh ə n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin disposition-, dispositio, from disponere
Date: 14th century
1 : the act or the power of disposing or the state of being disposed: as a : ADMINISTRATION , CONTROL b : final arrangement : SETTLEMENT <the disposition of the case> c (1) : transfer to the care or possession of another (2) : the power of such transferal d : orderly arrangement
2 a : prevailing tendency, mood, or inclination b : temperamental makeup c : the tendency of something to act in a certain manner under given circumstances
– dis · po · si · tion · al \ - ' zish-n ə l, - ' zi-sh ə -n ə l \ adjective
synonyms DISPOSITION , TEMPERAMENT , TEMPER , CHARACTER , PERSONALITY mean the dominant quality or qualities distinguishing a person or group. DISPOSITION implies customary moods and attitude toward the life around one <a cheerful disposition >. TEMPERAMENT implies a pattern of innate characteristics associated with one's specific physical and nervous organization <an artistic temperament >. TEMPER implies the qualities acquired through experience that determine how a person or group meets difficulties or handles situations <a resilient temper >. CHARACTER applies to the aggregate of moral qualities by which a person is judged apart from intelligence, competence, or special talents <strength of character >. PERSONALITY applies to an aggregate of qualities that distinguish one as a person <a somber personality >.