tendency

[ten-duhn-see]

noun

plural

tendencies 

1. a natural or prevailing disposition to move, proceed, or act in some direction or toward some point, end, or result.

   the tendency of falling bodies toward the earth.

2. an inclination, bent, or predisposition to something.

   a tendency to talk too much.

   Synonyms: leaning, proclivity

3. a special and definite purpose in a novel or other literary work.

tendency

/ ˈtɛndənsɪ /

noun

1. (often foll by to) an inclination, predisposition, propensity, or leaning

   she has a tendency to be frivolous

   a tendency to frivolity

2. the general course, purport, or drift of something, esp a written work

3. a faction, esp one within a political party

   the militant tendency

Other Word Forms

• countertendency noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tendency¹

From the Medieval Latin word tendentia, dating back to 1620–30. See tend ¹, -ency

Word History and Origins

Origin of tendency¹

C17: from Medieval Latin tendentia, from Latin tendere to _tend ¹

Synonym Study

Tendency, direction, trend, drift refer to inclination or line of action or movement. A tendency is an inclination toward a certain line of action (whether or not the action follows), and is often the result of inherent qualities, nature, or habit: a tendency to procrastinate. Direction is the line along which an object or course of action moves, often toward some set point or intended goal: The change is in the direction of improvement. Trend emphasizes simultaneous movement in a certain direction of a number of factors, although the course or goal may not be clear for any single feature: Business indicators showed a downward trend. Drift emphasizes gradual development as well as direction: the drift of his argument.

Example Sentences

Hansard relied on that sure-footedness in the studio where Irglová “cut to the chase” and reined in his tendency to tinker and noodle — a tactic his band The Frames indulged in when not on hiatus.

From Los Angeles Times

Anderson says that three things are inevitable: middle age, complacency and the tendency to look at the next generation with disdain.

From Los Angeles Times

But the psychologist knew that totalism encompasses more than authoritarian tendencies.

From Salon

Black hair is often thicker than white hair, with a tendency towards curls or coils and it cannot always be styled in the same ways that straight hair often is.

From BBC

United's tendency to go long, overloading the wide areas, may therefore pose a challenge City will need to be aware of, particularly if they can find a player with the hold-up quality of Bryan Mbeumo.

From BBC

Related Words

• bias 
• habit 
• impulse 
• leaning 
• penchant 
• propensity 
• shift 
• trend 
• type 
• weakness