tendency

[ˈtɛndənsi]

tendency Definition

• 1. an inclination towards a particular characteristic or type of behavior
• 2. a likelihood of behaving in a particular way or going in a particular direction

Using tendency: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tendency" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  She has a tendency to procrastinate.

• Example

  There is a tendency for prices to rise during the holiday season.

• Example

  The company has a tendency to hire from within.

• Example

  His tendency towards aggression is a concern.

tendency Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for tendency

• propensity
• inclination
• leaning
• disposition
• predilection

Antonyms for tendency

• aversion
• disinclination

Idioms Using tendency

• have a tendency to

  to be likely to do something or behave in a particular way

  Example

  I have a tendency to get nervous before public speaking.

• buck the tendency

  to go against the expected or usual trend or pattern

  Example

  Despite the downward tendency in sales, our company managed to buck the tendency and increase revenue.

• follow the tendency

  to conform to the expected or usual trend or pattern

  Example

  Most fashion designers follow the tendency of using bright colors in their summer collections.

Phrases with tendency

• tendency to do something

  a natural inclination or predisposition to behave in a certain way

  Example

  He has a tendency to interrupt people when they're speaking.

• upward tendency

  a trend or movement that is increasing or rising

  Example

  The stock market has shown an upward tendency in recent weeks.

• downward tendency

  a trend or movement that is decreasing or falling

  Example

  There has been a downward tendency in the number of students studying foreign languages.

Origins of tendency

from Latin 'tendere', meaning 'to stretch'

📌

Summary: tendency in Brief

The term 'tendency' [ˈtɛndənsi] refers to an inclination towards a particular characteristic or type of behavior. It can also indicate a likelihood of behaving in a particular way or going in a particular direction. Examples include 'She has a tendency to procrastinate.' and 'His tendency towards aggression is a concern.' Idioms like 'buck the tendency' and 'follow the tendency' describe going against or conforming to trends, while phrases like 'upward tendency' and 'downward tendency' denote increasing or decreasing trends.