tendency

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a general direction in which something tends to move

   the shoreward tendency of the current

2. 2
   noun

   A likelihood of behaving in a particular way or going in a particular direction; a tending toward.

   Denim has a tendency to fade.

3. 3
   noun

   An organised unit or faction within a larger political organisation.

   Mao launched the struggle against the vulgar materialist tendency within the party as early as 1937.

4. 4
   noun

   a characteristic likelihood of or natural disposition toward a certain condition or character or effect

5. 5
   noun

   an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others

6. 6
   noun

   an inclination to do something

Etymology

From Medieval Latin tendentia, from tendens, present participle of tendō.