tendency

views updated May 21 2018

ten·den·cy / ˈtendənsē/ • n. (pl. -cies) an inclination toward a particular characteristic or type of behavior: for students, there is a tendency to socialize in the evenings | criminal tendencies. ∎  a group within a larger political party or movement: the dominant tendency in the party remained right-wing.

tendency

views updated May 23 2018

tendency XVII. — medL. tendentia, f. L. tendēns, -ent-, prp. of tendere stretch, etc. (see prec.); see -ENCY.
Hence tendential (XIX), tendentious (XX) having a (purposed) tendency.

tendency

views updated May 21 2018

tendency The degree of behavioural motivation that may be inferred from the observed behaviour of an animal.

tendency

views updated May 18 2018

tendency The degree of behavioural motivation that may be inferred from the observed behaviour of an animal.