tendency
pronunciation
How to pronounce tendency in British English:
UK [ˈtendənsi]
How to pronounce tendency in American English:
US [ˈtendənsi]
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- Noun:
- an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others
- an inclination to do something
- a characteristic likelihood of or natural disposition toward a certain condition or character or effect
- a general direction in which something tends to move
Word Origin
- tendency (n.)
- 1620s, from Medieval Latin tendentia "inclination, leaning," from Latin tendens, present participle of tendere "to stretch, extend, aim" (see tenet). Earlier in same sense was tendaunce (mid-15c.), from Old French tendance.
Synonym
Example
- 1. A tendency to depression may mean too little serotonin .
- 2. New orleans police have a tendency to overuse force .
- 3. But now that same tendency tries their patience .
- 4. The fanatical tendency rises and falls .
- 5. Methane has a tendency to explode which soon made this an urgent matter .