Which term describes a strong liking for something?

The term "penchant" specifically refers to a strong inclination or liking for something. It is often used to describe a person's fondness or preference for a particular activity, hobby, or type of food. For example, one might say, "She has a penchant for classical music," indicating a strong affinity toward that genre.

The other terms do not convey the same meaning. "Pioneer" refers to someone who is among the first to explore or settle a new area or to develop a new field of knowledge. "Negate" means to nullify or make something ineffective, while "paradox" describes a situation that contains contradictory elements but may nonetheless be true. These definitions do not align with the concept of strong liking or affection, making "penchant" the most suitable choice.