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

Explanation

If you manage, run, or work at a store, you can say you tend it. If you tend the bar in a restaurant, for example, you serve drinks, dry glasses, and fill dishes with pretzels. You can also say you tend something if you care for it. You have to tend a vegetable garden, for example, if you expect to harvest more vegetables than weeds. If you are inclined to do something, then you tend to do that thing. You might tend to let your homework go until the last minute and then stay up all night to get it done — probably not the most efficient way to go about it.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tend

Goldman strategists led by Ben Snider say “shared favorites,” since 2013, have delivered an annual return of 17%, though they tend to be both volatile and trade at bigger price-to-earnings premium.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 24, 2026

Droughts tend not to end quickly after one period of rainfall.

From BBC ● Aug. 24, 2026

These phones tend to go through extensive processing, including cleaning and data wiping.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 23, 2026

Delicate tissues tend to disappear quickly after death, leaving major gaps in scientists' understanding of how these animals actually lived.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 21, 2026

“Ah! I tend to go barefoot at home,” she said.

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell

Related Words

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