tend

¹ American  

[tend] / tɛnd /

verb (used without object)

1. to be disposed or inclined in action, operation, or effect to do something.

   The particles tend to unite.

2. to be disposed toward an idea, emotion, way of thinking, etc..

   He tends to be overly optimistic.

   Her religious philosophy tends toward pantheism.

3. to lead or conduce, as to some result or resulting condition.

   measures tending to improved working conditions;

   Governments are tending toward democracy.

4. to be inclined to or have a tendency toward a particular quality, state, or degree.

   This wine tends toward the sweet side.

5. (of a journey, course, road, etc.) to lead or be directed in a particular direction (usually followed by to, toward, etc.).

   a path tending toward the beach.

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tend ² American  

[tend] / tɛnd /

verb (used with object)

1. to attend to by work or services, care, etc..

   to tend a fire.

2. to look after; watch over and care for; minister to or wait on with service.

   to tend the sick.

3. Nautical.  to handle or attend to (a rope).

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verb (used without object)

1. to attend by action, care, etc. (usually followed byto ).

verb phrase

1. tend on / upon  to attend or wait upon; minister to; serve.

   She tended on the sick and dying with infinite compassion.

tend ¹ British  

/ tɛnd /

verb

1. (tr) to care for

   to tend wounded soldiers

2. to attend (to)

   to tend to someone's needs

3. (tr) to handle or control

   to tend a fire

4. informal  to pay attention

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tend ² British  

/ tɛnd /

verb

1. (when tr, takes an infinitive) to have a general disposition (to do something); be inclined

   children tend to prefer sweets to meat

2. (intr) to have or be an influence (towards a specific result); be conducive

   the party atmosphere tends to hilarity

3. (intr) to go or move (in a particular direction)

   to tend to the south

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Etymology

Origin of tend¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English tenden, from Middle French tendre, from Latin tendere “to stretch, extend, proceed”

Origin of tend²

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English tenden, shortening of attend

Example Sentences

It is still unknown whether chimpanzees deliberately choose fruits with higher ethanol levels, which tend to be riper and richer in sugar that can ferment.

From Science Daily

“Not surprisingly, some of the loudest fear-mongering has tended to come from those manifestly unfamiliar with the underlying mechanics of the company,” Palmer continued.

From Barron's

A sober presence in interviews and on the stump, he has tended to fade into the background in the Senate.

From Salon

Lower interest rates tend to boost the appeal of non-yielding assets that don’t pay dividends or interest.

From The Wall Street Journal

Furthermore, the news that the Congressional leaders tended to “predict” was information that corporate executives would have, i.e. dividend increases, and not information the executives would not have, like lawsuits.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• cultivate
• do
• feed
• keep
• look after
• maintain
• manage
• protect
• take care of
• watch