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tendency definition

tend·ency (ten′dən sē)

noun pl. tendencies -·cies

  1. an inclination to move or act in a particular direction or way; constant disposition to some action or state; leaning; bias; propensity; bent
  2. a course or apparent course toward some purpose, object, or result; drift
  3. a definite purpose or point of view in something said or written

Etymology: ML tendentia < L tendens, prp. of tendere, to tend

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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