trend

A general direction in which something changes over time.

• The trend is clear.
• Sales followed a downward trend last year.
• Is this trend towards remote work likely to continue?

How to use it: trend in something (The report shows a trend in house prices.); trend towards something (There is a trend towards smaller homes.)

Similar words: tendency, direction

Common phrases: upward trend, downward trend, trend in prices

A style or activity that is popular for a time.

• She follows every fashion trend.
• Bright shoes were a big trend that summer.
• Who starts these new food trends?

Similar words: fashion, fad, craze

Common phrases: fashion trend, latest trend, follow a trend

A tendency to behave or think in a particular way.

• Her trend is towards caution.
• His trend towards pessimism worried his friends.
• A trend towards independence shaped her early decisions.

How to use it: trend towards something (His personal trend towards caution shaped his choices.)

Similar words: tendency, inclination, leaning

Common phrases: trend towards caution, personal trend

To receive a lot of attention, especially on social media.

• His video is trending online.
• The hashtag trended worldwide yesterday.
• Why is that old film trending again?

How to use it: trend on something (Her new song is trending on social media.)

Similar words: go viral

Common phrases: trend online, trend worldwide, trend on something

To gradually change in a particular direction.

• Prices are trending upward.
• Unemployment trended lower throughout the year.
• Will sales continue to trend higher?

How to use it: trend towards something (The figures are trending towards a steady decline.)

Similar words: move, head

Common phrases: trend upward, trend lower, trend towards something

To extend across an area in a particular direction.

• The ridge trends north.
• The coastline trends west beyond the bay.
• These mountain ranges trend from northeast to southwest.

Similar words: run, extend, stretch

Common phrases: trend north, trend southwest, trend eastward