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Tendency vs Behaviour - What's the difference?

tendency | behaviour |

As nouns the difference between tendency and behaviour

is that tendency is a likelihood of behaving in a particular way or going in a particular direction; a tending toward while behaviour is the way a living creature behaves or acts.

tendency

English

Noun

(tendencies)
  • A likelihood of behaving in a particular way or going in a particular direction; a tending toward.
  • Denim has a tendency to fade.
  • An organised unit or faction within a larger political organisation.
  • a militant tendency

    Derived terms

    * multitendency

    Synonyms

    * inclination * disposition * propensity * penchant * trend

    behaviour

    English

    Alternative forms

    * (US) * (obsolete)

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • The way a living creature behaves or acts.
  • She can't stop the strange behaviour because she has OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder).
  • * 2014 , A teacher, " Choosing a primary school: a teacher's guide for parents", The Guardian , 23 September 2014:
  • Teachers will probably be on their best behaviour for your visit – but don't be upset if they don't even notice you; they've got enough going on.
  • The way a device or system operates.
  • Usage notes

    * Adjectives often applied to "behaviour" include: human, animal, physical, chemical, mechanical, electrical, organizational, corporate, social, collective, parental, interpersonal, sexual, criminal, appropriate, inappropriate, correct, incorrect, right, wrong, good, bad, acceptable, unacceptable, poor, ethical, unethical, moral, immoral, responsible, irresponsible, normal, odd, deviant, abnormal, violent, abusive, aggressive, offensive, defensive, rude, stupid, undesirable, verbal, nonverbal, learned, professional, unprofessional, adaptive, compulsive, questionable, assertive, disgusting, self-destructive.

    Derived terms

    * human behaviour