51Թ

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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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51Թ 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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51Թ 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.

These tend to increase in value when stock markets fall as they are seen as a "safe haven" along with other assets such as gold.

From

The left-field bequest — as if tending to Walter’s legacy with an overdue book of his correspondence wasn’t enough — is, to Iris, a mystery on top of a conundrum.

From

Cell phones, TVs and video game consoles tend to be big-ticket purchases, and the latest US tariffs could make them even bigger-ticket.

From

As you approach retirement age, pension pots tend to be moved to less risky investments, such as government bonds.

From

I tend to be a glass half-full type of person, but the president and his ideas are just so crazy sometimes.

From

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