1620s, from Medieval Latin tendentia "inclination, leaning," from Latin tendens, present participle of tendere "to stretch, extend, aim" (see tenet). Earlier in same sense was tendaunce (mid-15c.), from Old French tendance.
中文解释
1. tend-: stretch. => tend-: stretch to a certain direction, move to a certain direction, move in a certain direction(引申义).2. tend- + -ency => tendency.3. 由此引申义：趋向、倾向、癖好。
实用例句
1. Stewart has developed a tendency to mix it verbally with the opposition.
斯图尔特现在变得只要和别人意见不合，就准备大吵一架。
来自柯林斯例句
2. They have a tendency to try to sidetrack you from your task.
他们总试图让你从你的任务中分心。
来自柯林斯例句
3. They have a tendency to show off, to dramatize almost every situation.
他们爱炫耀，几乎对每种情况都添油加醋。
来自柯林斯例句
4. Parks has a tendency to become personally involved with his photographic subjects.
帕克斯往往会跟他的拍摄对象产生感情纠葛。
来自柯林斯例句
5. He is spoiled, arrogant and has a tendency towards snobbery.