tends
|tends|
/tɛndz/
(tend)
incline or care
Etymology
'tend' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'tendere', where 'tendere' meant 'to stretch, to extend.'
'tend' changed from Latin 'tendere' into Old French 'tendre' and Anglo-French/Middle English forms such as 'tenden' or 'tenden', eventually becoming the modern English 'tend'.
Initially, it meant 'to stretch or extend'; over time it developed senses of 'to direct/aim' and 'to attend or take care of', which are the primary modern meanings.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to be likely to do something or to have a particular characteristic; to incline toward a particular type of behavior or outcome.
She tends to arrive late.
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Verb 2
to look after, take care of, or attend to someone or something (often used for plants, animals, or tasks).
He tends the garden every weekend.
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Verb 3
to aim or move in a particular direction; to have a general tendency in a specified direction.
The discussion tends toward practical solutions.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2026/01/11 08:17