Tendency
'tɛndənsi
Definitions
2 meaningsAn inclination towards a particular characteristic or type of behavior.
'tɛndənsi
A likelihood to behave or think in a particular way.
She has a strong tendency to procrastinate.
💡 Simply: Imagine you *always* choose the same flavor of ice cream, even when there are lots of choices. That's a tendency! It's like a natural habit or preference.
👶 For kids: It's when you usually do something, like if you have a tendency to always want candy.
More Examples
There is a tendency for prices to rise during times of inflation.
His tendency to interrupt makes it difficult to have a conversation with him.
How It's Used
"Studies show a tendency for people to overestimate their own abilities."
"There's a growing tendency toward isolationism in the current political climate."
"He has a tendency to be late for meetings."
A particular viewpoint, especially in art, literature, or thought.
'tɛndənsi
An attitude or viewpoint on a topic.
The film's tendency towards sentimentality was off-putting to some critics.
💡 Simply: Think of it like this: does a book *always* seem to be supporting one side of an argument? That's the book's tendency, the ideas it leans toward.
👶 For kids: It's what you usually think or believe about something.
More Examples
The author's work displayed a clear tendency towards satire.
He showed a liberal tendency in his voting record.
How It's Used
"The author's work often displays a feminist tendency."
"The newspaper's editorial has a clear conservative tendency."
Synonyms
Habit
Inclination
Penchant
Bias
Leaning
Perspective
Slant
Idioms & expressions
have a tendency to
To be inclined to, or to often do something.
"People who overeat have a tendency to be overweight."
From Middle English *tendence*, from Old French *tendence* (14th century), from Latin *tendō* (“stretch, extend”).
The word first appeared in English in the 14th century, derived from Old French and Latin, used to describe an inclination or direction towards something.
Memory tip
Think of 'tend' as a direction. A tendency is the direction your actions or thoughts naturally lean towards.