Definition of DISPOSITION (original) (raw)
1
c
: the tendency of something to act in a certain manner under given circumstances
2
: the act or the power of disposing or the state of being disposed: such as
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between disposition and predisposition?
Sometimes disposition and predisposition mean the same thing, and sometimes they do not. When refering to a person's usual mood or attitude you would speak of their disposition, not their predisposition. However, when referring to a person's tendency, or inclination, the two words are largely synonymous (one might have either a predisposition or a disposition towards being generous). An exception to this synonym comes in medical use, where it is far more common to use predisposition (as in "a predisposition to nearsightedness").
What does disposition mean in court?
In legal use the word disposition may have several possible meanings. It may refer to the sentence given to a convicted juvenile defendant, or to the final determination of a matter (such as a case or motion) by a court. It may also be defined as "transfer to the care, possession, or ownership of another" as well as "the power of such transferal."
What does disposition mean in business?
In business, disposition may refer either to "the transfer of property from one to another by any of various means including gift, barter, sale, or will" or to “the plan for or method by which such a transfer is executed.”
Synonyms
Choose the Right Synonym for disposition
temperament implies a pattern of innate characteristics associated with one's specific physical and nervous organization.
temper implies the qualities acquired through experience that determine how a person or group meets difficulties or handles situations.
character applies to the aggregate of moral qualities by which a person is judged apart from intelligence, competence, or special talents.
personality applies to an aggregate of qualities that distinguish one as a person.
Examples of disposition in a Sentence
They move jerkily, like puppets, but have a happy disposition; they are perpetually smiling and are given to frequent paroxysms of laughter. —
Matt Ridley, Genome, 1999 … the eight species of wild equids (horses and their relatives) vary greatly in disposition, even though all eight are genetically so close to each other that they will interbreed and produce healthy (though usually sterile) offspring. —Jared Diamond, Guns, Germs, and Steel, 1997 His father, Increase [Mather], with all his faults—his sour, depressive disposition, his open preference for England—is much more attractive. —Monroe K. Spears, American Ambitions, 1987 Her easy disposition and sociability masked the intensity of her feelings. —John Edgar Wideman, Bothers and Keepers, 1984
a dog with an excellent disposition Her disposition was to always think negatively. He has a disposition toward criminal behavior. people with a genetic disposition toward a particular disease A will is a legal document that is used in the disposition of property.
Recent Examples on the Web Molina, with her unpredictable fire complements Castro’s quieter disposition full of restrained passion. —Callum McLennan, Variety, 5 Sep. 2024 Possible adult charges for teenage suspect On Tuesday, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said police were investigating aspects of the teenager's background that could change the disposition of the charge that would lead to the teen's case being transferred to adult court. —Carlos Castañeda, CBS News, 4 Sep. 2024 At most, computer systems process transactions in corporate assets, but the internal accounting controls are concerned with the use and disposition of the corporate assets themselves. —Priya Cherian Huskins, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024 Like other forms of exercise, brisk walking promotes the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters that result in a calmer disposition and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 29 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for disposition 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'disposition.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin disposition-, dispositio, from disponere — see dispose entry 1
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Time Traveler
The first known use of disposition was in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near disposition
Cite this Entry
“Disposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disposition. Accessed 19 Sep. 2024.
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Last Updated: 10 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences
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