the.com/tendency

means A natural inclination to think, act, or happen in a particular way more often than not.

from From Latin 'tendere' meaning 'to stretch' or 'to extend' — the same root behind 'tend,' 'extend,' and 'tension.' A tendency is literally something stretching or leaning in a direction, like a vine reaching toward light. The word entered English via French in the 17th century, carrying that sense of being pulled or inclined toward an outcome before you ever get there.