Entry Word: tendency

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 an established pattern of behavior <a tendency to drop things> <a tendency to make snap judgements>

Synonyms aptness, proneness, propensity, way

Related Words bent, disposition, inclination, leaning, penchant, predilection, predisposition, proclivity; custom, habit, pattern, practice (also practise), routine, wont; oddity, peculiarity, quirk, singularity, trick

Near Antonyms averseness, disinclination, indisposition

2 a prevailing or general movement or inclination <we'll be seeing a tendency for skirt lengths to get shorter this coming season> — see trend 1
3 a habitual attraction to some activity or thing <a youth with a natural tendency towards crafts instead of sports> — see inclination 1