tend to
Idioms-
Apply one's attention, as in We should tend to our business, which is to teach youngsters . This term uses tend in the sense of “attend.” [1300s]
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Be disposed or inclined, as in We tend to believe whatever we are told . This term uses tend in the sense of “have a tendency.” [c. 1600]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
These fast-growing tumors tend to spread early and have remained among the hardest cancers to treat successfully.
From Science Daily • Jul. 4, 2026
Each nation had their own complex relationship with the U.S., which history books tend to gloss over.
From Salon • Jul. 4, 2026
Most summer classes also tend to follow federal holiday schedules, so they are likely closed, but check with your school or school district to be sure.
From MarketWatch • Jul. 3, 2026
They also tend to be, Lopez said, more optimistic about the prospects for their children.
From BBC • Jul. 2, 2026
Nowadays, we tend to think of architecture in terms of enclosed interiors, but we also have landscape architects, who design gardens, parks, and playgrounds.
From "History of Art, Volume 1" by H.W. Janson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
