Tendency, n.; pl. Tendencies.
Etymology: [L. tendents, -entis, p.pr. of tendere: cf. F. tendance. See Tend to move.]
Direction or course toward any place, object, effect, or result; drift; causal or efficient influence to bring about an effect or result. Writings of this kind, if conducted with candor, have a more particular tendency to the good of their country. Addison. In every experimental science, there is a tendency toward perfection. Macaulay.
Syn. -- Disposition; inclination; proneness; drift; scope; aim.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for tendency; he lists it under aim, direction.
Where he writes about it:
Course is the direction of a moving object; inclination, that toward which a stationary object leans; tendency, the direction toward which anything stretches or reaches out; tendency is stronger and more active than inclination. — from direction