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
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