B2 adjective Neutral

trend

/trɛnd/

A trend is a general direction in which something is developing or changing over time. It can describe shifts in public opinion, economic patterns, or popular styles in fashion and technology.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I've noticed a growing trend of people working from home in my neighborhood.

I have seen more people choosing to work from their houses lately.

2

The government must address the downward trend in national birth rates to ensure future economic stability.

The authorities need to handle the decreasing number of births to keep the economy stable.

3

Is wearing vintage clothes still a trend, or has everyone moved on to something else?

Are old-fashioned clothes still popular, or is there a new fashion now?

Word Family

Noun
trend
Verb
trend
Adverb
trendily
Adjective
trendy
Related
trendsetter
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Memory Tip

Think of a 'trend' as a 'trail' that many people are walking on at the same time; it shows where the crowd is heading.

Quick Quiz

The latest ______ in the tech industry is the rapid integration of artificial intelligence into everyday apps.

Correct!

The correct answer is: trend

Examples

1

I've noticed a growing trend of people working from home in my neighborhood.

everyday

I have seen more people choosing to work from their houses lately.

2

The government must address the downward trend in national birth rates to ensure future economic stability.

formal

The authorities need to handle the decreasing number of births to keep the economy stable.

3

Is wearing vintage clothes still a trend, or has everyone moved on to something else?

informal

Are old-fashioned clothes still popular, or is there a new fashion now?

4

Statistical analysis of the data reveals a significant upward trend in global temperatures over the last century.

academic

Scientific examination shows that the world's temperature has been rising steadily for a hundred years.

5

Our quarterly report indicates a positive trend in consumer spending across all retail sectors.

business

The three-month report shows that people are spending more money in stores.

Word Family

Noun
trend
Verb
trend
Adverb
trendily
Adjective
trendy
Related
trendsetter

Common Collocations

upward trend a pattern of increase or growth
emerging trend a new pattern that is just starting to appear
set a trend to start a new fashion or way of behaving that others copy
follow a trend to do what is currently popular
current trend the direction of change happening right now

Common Phrases

buck the trend

to go against the general direction of change

reverse the trend

to make a situation start changing in the opposite direction

on trend

very fashionable and following the latest style

Often Confused With

trend vs fad

A trend is a long-term shift, while a fad is an intense but very short-lived enthusiasm.

trend vs tendency

Tendency usually refers to an individual's likelihood to behave a certain way, whereas trend refers to a collective movement.

📝

Usage Notes

The word is frequently used with the prepositions 'in' (a trend in fashion) or 'toward' (a trend toward automation). In social media contexts, it is often used as a verb to describe a topic that is currently popular.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often use the noun 'trend' when they should use the adjective 'trendy' (e.g., saying 'that is a trend jacket' instead of 'that is a trendy jacket').

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'trend' as a 'trail' that many people are walking on at the same time; it shows where the crowd is heading.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle English word 'trenden', which meant to revolve, turn about, or roll.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun: can be singular (a trend) or plural (trends). Commonly followed by 'of' + gerund (trend of rising) or 'toward' + noun (trend toward technology).
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Cultural Context

In the digital age, 'trending' has a specific cultural meaning related to algorithms on platforms like X (Twitter) and TikTok that highlight viral topics.

Quick Quiz

The latest ______ in the tech industry is the rapid integration of artificial intelligence into everyday apps.

Correct!

The correct answer is: trend

Related Words

majority

C1

The greater number or part of a whole, specifically more than half of a total amount or group. It is often used in political or statistical contexts to describe a group that holds the most power or influence.

method

C1

A systematic, logical, and established procedure for accomplishing a task or conducting research. It implies a structured series of steps designed to achieve a specific result or to gain knowledge in a disciplined manner.

occurrence

C1

An occurrence refers to an instance or event where something happens or exists. In a broader sense, it can also describe the frequency or prevalence of a particular phenomenon within a specific context or dataset.

percent

C1

A mathematical term representing a ratio or proportion out of one hundred. It is used extensively to describe changes, statistics, and probabilities in academic and professional contexts.

percentage

C2

A percentage is a rate, number, or amount in each hundred, used to express a proportion or ratio relative to a whole. In academic contexts, it specifically refers to the quantitative measurement of a subset compared to the total population or data set.

periodic

C2

In an academic or library context, a periodic refers to a publication that is issued at regular intervals, such as a scholarly journal, magazine, or newsletter. It is characterized by its recurring nature and is often archived in series to track the development of research or news over time.

principle

B2

A principle is a fundamental truth, law, or rule that serves as the foundation for a system of belief, behavior, or reasoning. It can also refer to a personal code of conduct that guides how an individual chooses to act in various situations.

requirement

C1

A thing that is needed or wanted; a condition that must be met in order to achieve a specific goal or comply with a rule. In formal and academic settings, it often refers to a compulsory qualification or a mandatory standard of performance.

respond

B2

To say or write something as a reply to a question, statement, or letter, or to react to something by taking action. In academic contexts, it often refers to how an organism, system, or person reacts to a specific stimulus or event.

responsive

C1

Characterized by reacting quickly and positively to suggestions, influences, or stimuli. In technical and academic contexts, it describes a system or organism that adapts efficiently to changing conditions or feedback.

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