'attend' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'attendere,' where 'ad-' meant 'toward' and 'tendere' meant 'to stretch.'

'attendere' transformed into the Old French word 'atendre,' and eventually became the modern English word 'attend' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to stretch toward,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to be present at or to give attention to.'