[dis.po.si.tion] n [ME, fr. MF, fr. L disposition-, dispositio, fr. disponere] (14c) 1: the act or the power of disposing or the state of being disposed: as a: administration, control b: final arrangement: settlement "the ~ 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 adj syn 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".