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tendency

ten·den·cy [ téndənssee ] (plural ten·den·cies)


noun 
Definition:
 
1. general inclination: a way in which somebody or something typically behaves or happens, or is likely to react, behave, or happen

2. movement toward something: a gradual, but steady progress, development, or shift of opinion in a particular direction
a tendency toward greater assertiveness

[Early 17th century. < medieval Latin tendentia< Latin tendere "tend, be inclined to"]
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