Tendance

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The act or state of being attentive or present to something ; a habitual practice or custom ; the direction or inclination toward a particular style, trend, or behavior
2. A mode of consistently focusing attention or care ; a recurrent habit or usual way of doing things ; a prevailing tendency or drift in opinions, fashion, or actions
3. The condition of giving close observation or support ; an established routine or pattern of behavior ; a general movement or prevailing direction in cultural or social matters

Etymology: "Tendance" is a noun built on the verb "tend," which in its older sense meant "to attend to" or "to look after," as in tending a garden or tending the sick. The noun carries that same idea of watchful care, and it sits close to "attendance," the act of being present or paying heed. Over time the sense of attentive care has broadened: the word now covers a steady routine or behavioral pattern, and in cultural and social talk, a general direction in which things are moving.

Synonyms: trend, tendency, inclination, leaning, drift

Antonyms: disinclination, aversion, disinterest, repulsion, unwillingness