DISPOSITION


Meaning of DISPOSITION in English

— 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 ( 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.

Random House Webster's Unabridged English dictionary.      Полный английский словарь Вебстер - Random House .