TENDENCY
tendency, inclination
(noun) a characteristic likelihood of or natural disposition toward a certain condition or character or effect; “the alkaline inclination of the local waters”; “fabric with a tendency to shrink”
inclination, disposition, tendency
(noun) an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others; “he had an inclination to give up too easily”; “a tendency to be too strict”
leaning, propensity, tendency
(noun) an inclination to do something; “he felt leanings toward frivolity”
tendency, trend
(noun) a general direction in which something tends to move; “the shoreward tendency of the current”; “the trend of the stock market”
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
tendency (plural tendencies)
A likelihood of behaving in a particular way or going in a particular direction; a tending toward.
(politics) An organised unit or faction within a larger political organisation.
Synonyms
• inclination
• disposition
• propensity
• penchant
• trend
Source: Wiktionary
Tend"en*cy, n.; pl. Tendencies. Etym: [L. tendents, -entis, p.pr. of
tendere: cf. F. tendance. See Tend to move.]
Definition: Direction or course toward any place, object, effect, or
result; drift; causal or efficient influence to bring about an effect
or result.
Writings of this kind, if conducted with candor, have a more
particular tendency to the good of their country. Addison.
In every experimental science, there is a tendency toward perfection.
Macaulay.
Syn.
– Disposition; inclination; proneness; drift; scope; aim.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition