/ten"deuhn see/ , n. , pl. tendencies .
1. a natural or prevailing disposition to move, proceed, or act in some direction or toward some point, end, or result: the tendency of falling bodies toward the earth.
2. an inclination, bent, or predisposition to something: a tendency to talk too much.
3. a special and definite purpose in a novel or other literary work.
[ 1620-30; tendentia. See TEND 1 , -ENCY ]
Syn. 1. TENDENCY, DIRECTION, TREND, DRIFT refer to inclination or line of action or movement. A TENDENCY is an inclination toward a certain line of action (whether or not the action follows), and is often the result of inherent qualities, nature, or habit: a tendency to procrastinate. DIRECTION is the line along which an object or course of action moves, often toward some set point or intended goal: The change is in the direction of improvement.
TREND emphasizes simultaneous movement in a certain direction of a number of factors, although the course or goal may not be clear for any single feature: Business indicators showed a downward trend. DRIFT emphasizes gradual development as well as direction: the drift of his argument. 2. proclivity, leaning.