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Tendency - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A tendency is a natural likelihood or inclination to behave, think, or act in a particular way. It often suggests a repeated pattern or predictable direction in actions or events.

tendency

/ˈtɛndənsi/ /ˈtɛndənsi/

Definition:

A natural inclination or predisposition to behave in a particular way.

Synonyms:

inclination, propensity, proclivity, predisposition

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

aversion, disinclination

Common Collocations:

strong tendency, natural tendency, growing tendency, show a tendency, follow a tendency

Derivatives:

tendentious, tendentiously

Usage Tips:

Use "tendency" to describe habitual behavior or trends, often with "to" or "toward." Avoid overgeneralizing isolated actions as tendencies.

Common Phrases:

buck the tendency, follow the tendency, have a tendency to

Etymology:

From Medieval Latin *tendentia*, from Latin *tendere* ("to stretch, incline").

Examples:

  • 1. She has a tendency to arrive late to meetings.
  • 2. His artistic tendency shows in his colorful paintings.
  • 3. The data reveals a growing tendency toward online shopping.
  • 4. Children often have a tendency to mimic their parents.

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