tend

1
[ tend ]
/ tɛnd /

verb (used without object)

to be disposed or inclined in action, operation, or effect to do something: The particles tend to unite.
to be disposed toward an idea, emotion, way of thinking, etc.: He tends to be overly optimistic. Her religious philosophy tends toward pantheism.
to lead or conduce, as to some result or resulting condition: measures tending to improved working conditions; Governments are tending toward democracy.
to be inclined to or have a tendency toward a particular quality, state, or degree: This wine tends toward the sweet side.
(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.

Origin of tend

1
1300–50; Middle English tenden < Middle French tendre < Latin tendere to stretch, extend, proceed

Words nearby tend

tenantry, tenants association, tenants' charter, tencel, tench, tend, tend to, tendance, tendency, tendency tone, tendentious

Definition for tend to (2 of 2)

tend 2
[ tend ]
/ tɛnd /

verb (used with object)

to attend to by work or services, care, etc.: to tend a fire.
to look after; watch over and care for; minister to or wait on with service: to tend the sick.
Nautical. to handle or attend to (a rope).

verb (used without object)

to attend by action, care, etc. (usually followed by to).

Verb Phrases

tend on/upon, Archaic. to attend or wait upon; minister to; serve: She tended on the sick and dying with infinite compassion.

Origin of tend

2
1300–50; Middle English tenden, aphetic variant of attend

British Dictionary definitions for tend to (1 of 2)

tend 1
/ (tɛnd) /

verb (when intr, usually foll by to or towards)

(when tr, takes an infinitive) to have a general disposition (to do something); be inclined children tend to prefer sweets to meat
(intr) to have or be an influence (towards a specific result); be conducive the party atmosphere tends to hilarity
(intr) to go or move (in a particular direction) to tend to the south

Word Origin for tend

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

British Dictionary definitions for tend to (2 of 2)

tend 2
/ (tɛnd) /

verb

(tr) to care for to tend wounded soldiers
(when intr, often foll by to) to attend (to) to tend to someone's needs
(tr) to handle or control to tend a fire
(intr often foll by to) informal, mainly US and Canadian to pay attention

Word Origin for tend

C14: variant of attend

Idioms and Phrases with tend to

tend to
1

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]

2

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]