Penchant is a noun meaning a strong likinga feeling of enjoying or approving of a person or thing or tendencya usual direction of behavior or feeling toward something. It is often used in phrases like “a penchant for” to show that someone especiallymore than others; in a special or particular way enjoys or prefers a thing or activity.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˈpɛn.tʃənt/
Easy pronunciation: PEN-chent (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the first syllable: PEN.
Noun meaning a strong liking or preference.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Penchant Meaning
a strong liking for something
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a strong liking or preference for something
Example: She has a penchant for spicy food.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- predilection — A close formal synonym for a strong liking or preference.
- preference — Works well when describing what someone likes more than other things.
- taste — Can fit in some contexts, but is broader and less precise than penchant.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Penchant Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- predilection
- preference
- taste
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Using penchant as if it meant a habit or addiction; it usually means a strong liking or preference.
- Using it without the usual pattern “a penchant for” or “a penchant to” in natural English.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does penchant mean?
Penchant means a strong liking or preference for something, often used in the phrase “a penchant for.”
What are some synonyms for penchant?
Good synonyms include predilection, preference, and, in some contexts, taste.
Is penchant formal?
Yes, penchant is a fairly formal word, though it is still common in written English.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.