'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 or pay attention to,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to be present at or participate in.'