Etymologically
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tendentia

This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 24 October 2026 at 18:47. This address is a permanent link to this version.
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Pronunciation

  • Classical: [tɛnˈdɛn.ti.a][1]
  • Ecclesiastical: [tenˈdɛn.t͡si.a][1]

Forms

tendentia f (genitive tendentiae); first declension[1]

Etymology

It is from Latin tendēns + -ia, from the present participle of tendō (“to stretch out; to be inclined”).[1][2][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

Köbler's earliest record, from Latham, is dated 1290, with the sense of an inclination or tendency.[3]

Semantic evolution

It was a word of scholastic philosophy, used for a disposition to move or act toward some end;[2] Duns Scotus uses it in his discussion of the will and of intention.[2] English borrowed it in the 1620s as tendency, after the rarer tendaunce of the mid-15th century, which came from Old French tendance.[4] German Tendenz also comes from it.[3]

Timeline

  • 1290 – The earliest record Köbler gives.[3]
  • 1620s – English borrows it as tendency.[4]

Meanings

Noun

  1. (Medieval Latin) A tendency, inclination, a disposition to move or act toward an end.[2][1][3]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d Latham, R. E., D. R. Howlett, R. K. Ashdowne, et al. (1975–2013), Dictionary of Medieval Latin from British Sources, London: British Academy / Oxford University Press
  3. ^ a b c d e Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
  4. ^ a b Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com