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

Definition for tending (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

Example sentences from the Web for tending

British Dictionary definitions for tending (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 tending (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