What does the term 'mendacity' refer to in relation to behavior?

The term 'mendacity' specifically refers to a tendency to be untruthful or to engage in deception. It derives from the Latin word 'mendax,' which means "lying" or "deceitful." When discussing behavior, someone exhibiting mendacity would be prone to lying or misrepresenting the truth in their actions or statements. This makes the choice that denotes a tendency to be untruthful the appropriate interpretation of the term. In contrast, the other options outline positive attributes or feelings, which do not align with the meaning of mendacity.