trend
HighNeutral to formal
Definition
Meaning
A general direction in which something is developing, changing, or moving
A current style, preference, or popular movement, especially in fashion, technology, or culture; also used in statistics to describe a pattern or tendency in data over time
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Originally meaning 'to turn or bend', now primarily describes directional changes. Can be temporary (fashion trends) or long-term (demographic trends). Often implies something is increasing or gaining momentum.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling identical; 'to trend' as verb is newer in British English. Americans more likely to use 'trending' for social media.
Connotations
Slightly more commercial/fashion connotation in UK; more statistical/economic in US academic contexts.
Frequency
Equal frequency in both varieties; 'trendy' (adj) slightly more informal/British.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Verb] + trend: follow/identify/analyze/reverse a trend[Adjective] + trend: upward/downward/current/recent/long-term trendTrend + [Preposition]: trend in/trend toward/trend forVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Go against the trend”
- “A trendsetter”
- “Buck the trend”
- “Catch the trend”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Analysis of market trends shows increased consumer spending.
Academic
The research identified a significant trend toward urbanization in developing nations.
Everyday
The latest trend is to wear oversized sunglasses.
Technical
The algorithm detected an upward trend in temperature anomalies over five decades.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Sales have been trending upward since January.
- That topic is trending on Twitter today.
American English
- Unemployment numbers are trending downward.
- The hashtag started trending overnight.
adverb
British English
- Trendily dressed teenagers crowded the high street.
American English
- The store was trendily decorated with minimalist furniture.
adjective
British English
- She always wears trendy clothes from London boutiques.
- That café is in a really trendy part of town.
American English
- He opened a trendy restaurant in Brooklyn.
- It's not cool anymore—it's too trendy.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Fashion trends change every year.
- There is a trend for healthier food.
- The graph shows an upward trend in sales.
- Many people follow the latest trends on social media.
- Economists have observed a worrying trend in inflation rates.
- The company's strategy goes against current market trends.
- Demographic trends indicate an aging population in developed nations.
- The artist's work both reflects and subverts contemporary cultural trends.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'bend' (from Old English 'trendan' meaning to turn or roll about) → things bending in a certain direction → trend.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOVEMENT ALONG A PATH (trends go upward/downward), WAVE (riding a trend), RIVER CURRENT (going with/against the trend)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'тренд' for all meanings – 'trend' is broader than fashion.
- Don't confuse with 'tendency' which is more about inclination than visible pattern.
- 'Направление' is often better for 'direction' meaning.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'trend' only for fashion (it's also for data/business).
- Overusing as verb 'It trends' (awkward; better: 'It is trending').
- Confusing 'trend' with 'fad' (trends last longer).
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is NOT typically a strong collocation with 'trend'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Trend' describes an observable pattern or direction of change over time. 'Tendency' is more about an inherent inclination or likelihood toward something, not necessarily visible as a pattern.
Yes, especially in business and social media contexts (e.g., 'Sales are trending upward,' 'The topic is trending online'). This usage has become standard.
No. While common in fashion, it's widely used in economics, statistics, technology, demographics, and general culture to describe directional changes.
It means to go against or oppose a prevailing trend. Example: 'While most stores closed, this small business bucked the trend and expanded.'