Cool MateTendency
UK //ˈtɛn.dən.si//US //ˈtɛn.dən.si//
Definition
An inclination or predisposition to behave in a certain way.
In simple words: A habit or a way of behaving that is often repeated.
Examples
- She has a tendency to procrastinate on important tasks.
- There's a growing tendency among youth to use social media.
- His tendency to overthink often leads to anxiety.
- The research indicates a tendency for people to conform to group norms.
- She noticed a tendency to avoid confrontation in her friends.
Usage notes
Used in both formal and informal contexts. Commonly describes inclinations in behavior or feelings. Avoid using when indicating a definitive action.
Grammar pattern
tendency + to + verb
Memory hint
Think of 'tend' as how you lean toward a behavior, like a plant growing towards the sun.
Collocations
- tendency to change
- tendency towards aggression
- tendency to procrastinate
Synonyms
- inclination
- propensity
- predisposition
- disposition
- habit
Antonyms
- disinclination
- aversion
- indifference
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'tend' as a verb, often forgetting to use it as a noun.
- Using 'tendency' when a stronger term like 'habit' is needed.
- Incorrectly placing an article or pluralizing 'tendency'.