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

No northern hemisphere team has been handed the biggest set of long-haul fixtures possible - playing Argentina, South Africa and New Zealand on successive weekends - with matches tending to be grouped for relative proximity.

From BBC

Older adults tended to develop symptoms sooner after the protein became elevated compared with younger individuals.

From Science Daily

Amy Jo Smith, president of the Digital Entertainment Group, said sales of physical media tend to peak around the release of highly sought-after titles like “Wicked” and other franchise collections.

From Los Angeles Times

On the downside, spending on travel, healthcare and leisure activities tend to increase.

From MarketWatch

"For me and for Riva-Mae, we tend to get stomach aches and digestive issues if we even eat a crumb of gluten. My son would be physically sick," she said.

From BBC

Related Words

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