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View synonyms for

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 by to ).

verb phrase

  1. Archaic. to attend or wait upon; minister to; serve:

    She tended on the sick and dying with infinite compassion.

tend

1

/ ɛԻ /

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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

tend

2

/ ɛԻ /

verb

  1. tr to care for

    to tend wounded soldiers

  2. whenintr, often foll by to to attend (to)

    to tend to someone's needs

  3. tr to handle or control

    to tend a fire

  4. informal.
    introften foll byto to pay attention
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of tend1

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

Origin of tend2

C14: variant of attend
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

As he tended to his race horses, he spoke of the political and social attitudes of free enterprise and small government that are shared by Albertans and many Americans.

From

Lower rates make it easier to borrow and tend to deliver an economic boost.

From

“We tend to not do a very good job of making our yards friendly to native wildlife.”

From

They tend to follow a more European model: fewer pieces, better made.

From

In fact, in the modern, popular understanding of the brain, we really tend to think of this organ as a sophisticated version of the technology it inspired.

From

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Ten Commandmentstendance