Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tendenza | /tenˈdɛn.t͡sa/ | feminine |
| indirizzo | /in.diˈrit.t͡so/ | masculine |
| orientamento | /o.rjen.taˈmen.to/ | masculine |
| predisposizione | /pre.dis.po.zitˈt͡sjo.ne/ | feminine |
The term 'drift' refers to the tendency of an act, argument, course of conduct or the like. Object aimed at or intended. Intention (noun).
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the specific type of drift you are describing. Use tendenza when the 'drift' refers to a general trend, a statistical tendency or a common inclination in behavior. Use indirizzo when the 'drift' refers to the specific direction, aim or general course of an argument or policy. Use orientamento when the 'drift' refers to a person's or a group's ideological or political leaning.
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms change in the plural as follows: tendenza becomes tendenze, indirizzo becomes indirizzi, orientamento becomes orientamenti and predisposizione becomes predisposizioni.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of tendenza is /tenˈdɛn.tsa/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word orientamento shares a root with 'Orient', meaning the east. This reflects the ancient practice of aligning maps and buildings toward the rising sun to find one's way.
- The word indirizzo is commonly used in everyday Italian to mean 'address', such as your home or email address, rather than just a metaphorical 'drift'.
- The word tendenza is often used in the fashion world to describe 'trends'. If something is di tendenza, it is currently 'trendy' or 'in'.
Examples in context
- C'è una tendenza al cambiamento in questo settore.There is a tendency toward change in this sector.
- La tendenza attuale è verso il digitale.The current drift is toward digital.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Sofia are discussing a new business strategy.
- LorenzoSofia, qual è la tendenza di questo piano?Sofia, what is the drift of this plan?
- SofiaVogliamo aumentare le vendite online, Lorenzo.We want to increase online sales, Lorenzo.
- LorenzoAh, ora ho capito la tendenza.Ah, now I get the drift.
- SofiaEsatto, è l'unico modo per crescere.Exactly, it is the only way to grow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “drift” translations and entries tendenza, indirizzo, orientamento, predisposizione, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries indirizzo, orientamento, CC BY-SA 4.0.
