tend

¹

[tend]

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.

tend

²

[tend]

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).

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

/ 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

tend

²

/ 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

Word History and Origins

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of tend¹

C14: variant of _attend

Origin of tend²

C14: from Old French tendre, from Latin tendere to stretch

Example Sentences

For instance, if high value homes were to face extra taxes, it would affect older people more as they tend to have greater property wealth.

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Unlike "hot tumors," which are more responsive to immunotherapies, glioblastoma tends to evade detection.

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Over the long term, stocks tend to trade on fundamentals, but over a period of weeks or months, sentiment often sits in the driver’s seat, Singh added.

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At the same time, people are living longer, tend to need more costly care and are using the system to get it.

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“It’s not really well-suited or well-designed to just hand off to a statistical agency without some customization, so it’s difficult to work with, it’s difficult to process, and it tends to be very expensive.”

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Related Words

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