tendency Meaning, Definition & Usage

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

WordNet

Tend"en*cy noun
Etymology
L. tendents, -entis, p.pr. of tendere: cf. F. tendance. See Tend to move.
Wordforms
plural Tendencies
Definitions
  1. Direction or course toward any place, object, effect, or result; drift; causal or efficient influence to bring about an effect or result.
    Writings of this kind, if conducted with candor, have a more particular tendency to the good of their country. Addison.
    In every experimental science, there is a tendency toward perfection. Macaulay.
    Syn. -- Disposition; inclination; proneness; drift; scope; aim.

Webster 1913