How to Pronounce Tendency

To pronounce "tendency", say TEND-ency — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈtɛndənsi/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

tendency

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Accent

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Speed

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2

Syllables

8

Letters

/ˈtɛndənsi/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “tendency”

"tendency" has 2 syllables: tend-ency. It rhymes with ascendancy and ascendency, if that helps it stick.

What does tendency mean?

noun

  1. A likelihood of behaving in a particular way or going in a particular direction; a tending toward.

    “Denim has a tendency to fade.”

  2. An organised unit or faction within a larger political organisation.

Synonyms

dispositioninclinationpenchantpropensitytrend

Hear “tendency” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with tendency

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

ascendancyascendencydependency

Related words

propensitydispositiontrendleaninginclinationproclivitybiaspredisposition

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "tendency"?▾

"Tendency" has 2 syllables: tend · ency.

What is the IPA transcription of "tendency"?▾

The IPA transcription of "tendency" is /ˈtɛndənsi/.

What does "tendency" mean?▾

Tendency: A likelihood of behaving in a particular way or going in a particular direction; a tending toward.

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