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.
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.
verb (when intr, usually foll by to or towards)
- (when tr, takes an infinitive) to have a general disposition (to do something); be inclinedchildren tend to prefer sweets to meat
- (intr) to have or be an influence (towards a specific result); be conducivethe party atmosphere tends to hilarity
- (intr) to go or move (in a particular direction)to tend to the south
verb
- (tr) to care forto tend wounded soldiers
- (when intr, often foll by to) to attend (to)to tend to someone’s needs
- (tr) to handle or controlto tend a fire
- (intr often foll by to) informal, mainly US and Canadian to pay attention
v.1“to incline, to move in a certain direction,” mid-14c., from Old French tendre “stretch, hold forth, offer” (11c.), from Latin tendere “to aim, stretch, extend” (see tenet). v.2“attend to,” early 14c., a shortening of Middle English atenden (see attend).