Why “predilection” is a great word
A preconceived liking or preference for something; a predisposition in favor of a particular thing. From French prédilection, from Medieval Latin praedilectus, past participle of praediligere ("to prefer, love more"), from Latin prae- ("before, in advance") + diligere ("to choose, love"), first attested in English in 1742. Unlike "aversion," which recoils with visceral resistance, or "proclivity," which leans toward an often unconscious or unsavory habit, predilection is a quiet, settled inclination. It is the traveler who packs the same worn novel for every journey, the hand returning to the familiar book on the shelf, the body turning instinctively toward morning light at the window—a small, pre-written loyalty, the heart's election made before the ballot is ever offered.