tend1

[tend] /tɛnd/
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.
Origin
1300-50; Middle English tenden < Middle French tendre < Latin tendere to stretch, extend, proceed

tend2

[tend] /tɛnd/
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)
4.
to attend by action, care, etc. (usually followed by to).
Verb phrases
5.
tend on/upon, Archaic. to attend or wait upon; minister to; serve:
She tended on the sick and dying with infinite compassion.
Origin
1300-50; Middle English tenden, aphetic variant of attend
Examples from the web for tend
  • The left and right halves tend to be mirror images of each other.
  • Sources tend to be higher priced and because shipping costs are greater.
  • Such views tend to be anachronistic, and sources allow for a variety of interpretations.
  • Circle shows are shows that tend to gather a crowd around them.
  • Those who do tend to be women with a prior history of depression.
  • Though they will consume large amounts of carrion, they tend to prefer fresh meat.
  • Larger services tend to focus on urban areas where there are many potential customers.
  • Hoarders tend to believe that they provide the right amount of care for their pets.
  • Pool halls tend to have tables and cater to the serious pool player.
  • More complex tax systems tend to have higher costs of compliance.
British Dictionary definitions for tend

tend1

/tɛnd/
verb when intr, usually foll by to or towards
1.
(when transitive, takes an infinitive) to have a general disposition (to do something); be inclined: children tend to prefer sweets to meat
2.
(intransitive) to have or be an influence (towards a specific result); be conducive: the party atmosphere tends to hilarity
3.
(intransitive) to go or move (in a particular direction): to tend to the south
Word Origin
C14: from Old French tendre, from Latin tendere to stretch

tend2

/tɛnd/
verb
1.
(transitive) to care for: to tend wounded soldiers
2.
when intr, often foll by to. to attend (to): to tend to someone's needs
3.
(transitive) to handle or control: to tend a fire
4.
(informal, mainly US & Canadian) (intransitive) often foll by to. to pay attention
Word Origin
C14: variant of attend
Word Origin and History for tend
v.

"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).

"attend to," early 14c., a shortening of Middle English atenden (see attend).