Tendency

Definition

A tendency refers to an inclination or predisposition toward a particular characteristic, behavior, or condition.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtɛndənsi/
• Respelling: TEN-duhn-see (with "TEN" as in "ten," "duhn" as a schwa sound like the 'u' in "sun," and "see" as in "see")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtɛndənsi/
• Respelling: TEN-duhn-see (similar to American English, with "TEN" as in "ten," "duhn" as in "sun," and "see" like in "see")

In both dialects, "tendency" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "TEN." The word ends with "see," which is consistent across both American and British English. The pronunciation of "tendency" highlights the straightforward nature of its phonetic realization.

Etymology

The word "tendency" originates from the Latin word tendentia, from the verb tendere which means 'to stretch,' 'to direct,' or 'to incline.'

Derivatives

• Tendential (adjective)
• Tendentially (adverb)
• Tendentious (adjective)
• Tendentiously (adverb)
• Tendentiousness (noun)

Synonyms

• Propensity
• Inclination
• Predisposition

Antonyms

• Aversion
• Disinclination
• Resistance

Usage

The word "tendency" is used to denote a consistent pattern or a characteristic manner of behavior, thought, or action likely to take a certain direction. It's commonly used in both casual and formal discourse to analyze or predict behavior.

Related Terms

• Bias
• Incline
• Leaning

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Inclination: An innate or acquired disposition to act, think, or feel in a particular way.
• Example: She has a tendency to speak very fast when she's nervous.

• Predisposition: A susceptibility or likelihood to exhibit a particular behavior or condition.
• Example: A family history of diabetes indicates a potential tendency toward developing the condition.

• Characteristic Behavior: A habitual path of response or action.
• Example: His tendency to procrastinate has often led to unnecessary stress.

• Trend: A general direction in which something is developing or changing.
• Example: The tendency of increasing global temperatures is a major concern for climatologists.