The spelling of the word "hadst a tendency" may seem confusing at first glance. However, it can be easily deciphered through its phonetic transcription: /hædst ə ˈtɛndənsi/. The word "hadst" is an archaic conjugation of the verb "have" (second-person singular past tense) that is seldom used in modern English. Meanwhile, the word "tendency" is pronounced as /ˈtɛndənsi/, with the stress on the second syllable. Therefore, "hadst a tendency" means "you had a tendency" in old-fashioned English.
The phrase "hadst a tendency" is an archaic form of English, primarily used during the Shakespearean era. "Hadst" is the second person singular past tense of "have," and "a tendency" refers to a predisposition or inclination towards a particular behavior, characteristic, or outcome. When combined, "hadst a tendency" describes the past action or quality of having a habitual inclination towards something.
This phrase implies that the subject possessed a natural inclination or propensity, suggesting a habitual behavior or consistent pattern of behavior. It indicates that the person being described had a consistent tendency towards a specific action, thought, or disposition in the past. It conveys the idea that the individual had a natural inclination that consistently influenced their choices, actions, or opinions during a particular period.
For instance, one could say, "Thou hadst a tendency to be impulsive," meaning that the subject had a consistent habit of acting impulsively in past circumstances. Alternatively, "She hadst a tendency to speak her mind" suggests that she consistently expressed her opinions openly without hesitation or reserve.
Overall, "hadst a tendency" is a historical usage that denotes a habit, propensity, or inclination towards a particular behavior or thought pattern, emphasizing its consistent occurrence in the past.