Tendency
/ˈtɛndənsi/
nounB1
Definition
Tendency means a regular or common way that a person behaves or that something happens. It shows what is likely to happen based on past actions or natural habits. For example, if someone has a tendency to be kind, they often act kindly.
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See It in Action
A usual way of behaving or happening
- •She has a tendency to speak quickly when nervous.
- •The tendency of the plants is to grow towards the light.
- •People have a tendency to remember good experiences better than bad ones.
A natural direction or leaning toward something
- •There is a tendency for the weather to get colder in November.
- •The stock market showed a tendency to rise last year.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "tendency" like "habit" (A1 word), but it can be about people, things, or situations, not just repeated actions
- ✓Picture a river that usually flows in the same direction—this is its tendency to flow that way
- ✓It's the feeling when you expect your friend to smile because they usually do—it’s their tendency
- ✓Sounds like "TEN-den-see" → imagine TEN people all leaning or moving in the same direction naturally
- ✓Think of a story where a character always chooses to help others—that is their tendency or usual way
- ✓NOT like "random" (which means no pattern), tendency means there is a pattern or usual way
- ✓NOT like "rule" (a strict law), tendency is softer, more about what often happens, not what must happen
- ✓NOT like "choice" (something decided), tendency is more natural or automatic, not always a clear decision
Try Other Words
- •Inclination: a natural feeling or preference (Use when talking about personal feelings or choices)
- •Trend: a general direction in which something is changing (Use when talking about changes over time, like fashion or markets)
- •Habit: a repeated action done regularly (Use when talking about personal repeated actions or routines)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "tend-" (from Latin meaning to stretch or aim) + "-ency" (a suffix meaning a state or quality)
- •Etymology: From Latin "tendentia," meaning stretching or leaning toward something
- •Historical development: Entered English in the late 1500s to describe natural leaning or direction in behavior or nature
- •Modern usage: Used to describe common behaviors, natural directions, or usual patterns in people, things, or events
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a tendency you have that helps you in daily life? How does it affect you?
•How can noticing tendencies in others help you understand their actions better?
Fill in the blanks
1.People with a tendency to ___ often find it hard to stop once they start.
2.The tendency of water to flow downhill happens because of ___.
3.Unlike a sudden change, a tendency shows what usually ___ over time.
4.When someone has a tendency to be late, it means they often ___ on time.
5.The stock market's tendency to ___ can make investors feel nervous or excited.
6.She ignored the advice because her tendency was to ___ her own way.
7.If a plant has a tendency to grow toward light, it will ___ its leaves in that direction.