Tend

/tɛnd/

Meaning & Definition

verb
to stretch or extend in a specific direction.
The path tends to the left through the woods.
to take care of or look after.
She tends to her garden every weekend.
to have a tendency or predisposition to do something.
Children tend to be more active in the mornings.

Etymology

Middle English 'tenden', from Old French 'tendre' meaning 'to stretch out, hold out'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

tend to:
to usually do something or be likely to have a particular characteristic
tend one's garden:
to take care of one's plants or garden
tend the fire:
to take care of the fire by adding wood or managing it

Related Words

Slang Meanings

to lean towards a certain behavior or action
She tends to ghost people when she's not interested.
to care about something casually
I don't really tend to that issue, it's not my problem.