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.
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.