a. [f. as next + -AL.] Of the nature of, or characterized by having, a tendency; spec. = next.
1847. J. D. Morell, 19th C. Eur. Spec. Philos. (ed. 2), II. 396. He [Buchez] has brought to his aid the notion of progress, the logical development of ideas, and the tendential movements of society.
1889. J. M. Robertson, Ess. Crit. Method, Pref. 3. A division of thinking men into tendential parties, in each of which there is a substantial agreement, resulting in different degrees from bias, prejudice, and reasoning towards consistency.
1904. Amer. Jrnl. Relig., etc. May, 75 (Cent. Dict., Suppl.). Deliverance … from the power of those other tendential ideas against which he has been struggling.
