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

Older adults tend to produce less nitric oxide as they age, and reduced nitric oxide availability can affect blood vessel function.

From Science Daily • May 25, 2026

Popular swimming and surfing spots tend to have measures to protect against attacks.

From BBC • May 24, 2026

It’s an onslaught of relentless, sometimes spectacular, action with puerile jokes and CGI that even its defenders tend to agree is pretty bad.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026

In other words, earnings periods tend to bring company-specific good news that can support stocks, while the stretches after earnings often leave investors more focused on macroeconomic risks, politics and geopolitics.

From MarketWatch • May 23, 2026

Somebody told me that Bram Guernsey was in the Green Berets, though I tend to think this is untrue.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

Related Words

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