Definition

1. Noun:
   • A general direction in which something develops or changes: A "tendency" refers to a prevailing pattern or movement toward a particular state, condition, or direction over time.
   • An inherent inclination or predisposition: A "tendency" is a natural or habitual propensity for a specific kind of thought, behavior, or physical effect.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • There is a growing tendency for people to work from home. (This shows a general direction of change in work habits.)
  • This fabric has a tendency to wrinkle easily. (This indicates a characteristic likelihood or natural disposition of the material.)
  • He has a tendency to interrupt people when they are speaking. (This describes a habitual personal inclination.)

Advanced Usage

• "to have/show a tendency to do something": To be likely or inclined to act in a specific way.
  • Young children often have a tendency to believe what they are told.
• "a tendency toward(s) something": A movement or development in the direction of a particular state or condition.
  • The data reveals a clear tendency towards warmer global temperatures.

Variants and Related Words

• Tend (verb): To regularly or frequently behave in a particular way or have a particular characteristic.
  • Prices tend to rise during the holiday season.
• Tendentious (adjective): Expressing or intending to promote a particular cause or point of view, especially a controversial one.
  • The article was criticized for its tendentious reporting.

Synonyms

• Trend: A general direction in which something is developing or changing.
• Inclination: A person's natural tendency or urge to act or feel in a particular way.
• Propensity: An inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way.
• Leaning: A tendency or preference, especially one that is not yet definite.

Related Phrases

• Downward/upward tendency: A general movement to lower or higher levels.
  • The report noted a downward tendency in unemployment figures.

Related Idioms

• Buck the tendency: To resist or go against a prevailing trend.
  • While most stocks fell, a few companies managed to buck the tendency and post gains.

Noun

1. a general direction in which something tends to move
   • the shoreward tendency of the current
   • the trend of the stock market
2. a characteristic likelihood of or natural disposition toward a certain condition or character or effect
   • the alkaline inclination of the local waters
   • fabric with a tendency to shrink
3. an inclination to do something
   • he felt leanings toward frivolity
4. an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others
   • he had an inclination to give up too easily
   • a tendency to be too strict