The word "tendentious" describes something that is biased or shows a strong inclination towards a particular viewpoint or agenda. It often suggests a lack of neutrality or an intention to promote a specific perspective, particularly in writing, speech, or discussions. A tendentious statement or work may try to persuade others by presenting a slanted version of the truth.
The word "tendentious" comes from the late Latin "tendentiosus," which is derived from "tendere," meaning "to stretch" or "to tend." This captures the idea of leaning toward or favoring a particular direction or viewpoint.