attendants
|at-ten-dants|
/əˈtɛndənts/
(attendant)
service provider
Etymology
'attendant' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'attendere', where 'ad-' meant 'to' and 'tendere' meant 'to stretch or direct (attention).
'attendant' changed from Old French (present participle) 'attendant' (from 'attendre') and Middle English forms such as 'attendent', eventually becoming the modern English word 'attendant'.
Initially it meant 'to stretch toward; to pay attention.' Over time the sense shifted to persons who 'attend' (i.e., serve or are present) and to the adjective meaning 'accompanying' or 'concomitant'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 2
people whose job is to look after, serve, or assist others (e.g., flight attendants, hospital attendants).
The attendants helped passengers with their luggage.
Synonyms
Noun 3
people who are present at an event; those attending (i.e., attendees).
About 300 attendants were at the conference.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/08 05:04