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.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

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.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

tendency

views updated May 21 2018

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

A Dictionary of Ecology MICHAEL ALLABY

tendency

views updated May 18 2018

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

A Dictionary of Zoology MICHAEL ALLABY

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