Tend: meaning, definitions and examples

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tend

 

[tend ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

taking care of

To tend means to regularly look after or take care of something or someone. It can also mean to incline or move in a particular direction.

Synonyms

attend to, care for, look after.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tend

Repeated due to potential mistake. Please exclude.

care for

Used when referring to providing care or emotional support to someone or something, often with a sense of affection or responsibility.

  • She cares for her elderly parents
  • They adopted a puppy and now care for it lovingly
look after

Commonly used in everyday language for taking care of people, properties, or belongings, especially in the absence of the owner.

  • Could you look after my cat while I'm away? She looks after the children during the day
attend to

Used in a more formal or clinical setting, often implying addressing a specific task or need.

  • The nurse will attend to your wound shortly
  • Please attend to the guests while I finish dinner preparations

Examples of usage

  • She tends to her garden every morning.
  • He tends to his little brother while their parents are at work.
Context #2 | Verb

likely to do something

When something tends to happen, it is likely to happen or have a general tendency to occur.

Synonyms

be inclined to, be prone to, have a tendency to.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tend

This word is commonly used to describe habitual actions or natural inclinations towards something, usually in a neutral manner.

  • She tends to wake up early.
  • Kids tend to enjoy sweets.
be inclined to

This phrase is used when indicating a likelihood or preference for doing something, usually reflecting a gentle or polite suggestion.

  • He is inclined to agree with you.
  • I'm inclined to believe that they will succeed.
be prone to

This phrase often implies a susceptibility to something, often something negative or undesirable.

  • She is prone to headaches.
  • Old houses are prone to have creaky floors.
have a tendency to

This phrase indicates a usual behavior or action, often in a slightly formal context or when discussing observed patterns.

  • Teenagers have a tendency to resist authority.
  • This machine has a tendency to overheat.

Examples of usage

  • People tend to feel sleepy after a big meal.
  • The prices tend to rise during the holiday season.
Context #3 | Noun

a town in France

Tend can also be a noun referring to a town in France.

Examples of usage

  • They visited the charming town of Tend during their vacation.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old French word 'tendre', which means 'to stretch' or 'to hold'.
  • It is related to the Latin word 'tendere', which means 'to stretch or extend'.
  • The modern meaning of caring for someone or something developed over time from its original sense of extending one's effort.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, tending to a garden is seen as a symbol of nurturing and growth, often associated with family or community.
  • The concept of tending to the earth is central in various indigenous cultures, emphasizing the relationship between humans and nature.
  • In Japanese culture, the practice of tending to gardens reflects deep philosophical beliefs about harmony, beauty, and mindfulness.

Psychology

  • Research shows that tending to plants can improve mood and reduce stress, providing therapeutic benefits.
  • The concept of 'tending' also applies to interpersonal relationships, where emotional support can lead to healthier connections.
  • In psychological terms, 'tending behaviors' are actions aimed at nurturing others, often seen in caregiving professions.

Literature

  • Many literary works use the imagery of 'tending' as a metaphor for personal growth and relationships, such as in novels where characters nurture each other.
  • In poetry, 'tending' can describe the act of caring for memories or emotions, showcasing their significance in life.
  • Classic literature often features themes of tending to nature, illustrating the bond between humans and the environment.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of tending has been popularized in shows that focus on home improvement and gardening, showcasing the rewarding nature of caring for spaces.
  • In video games, characters often 'tend' to gardens or farms, reflecting the joy of nurturing virtual life and rewards for their efforts.
  • Reality TV has seen a rise in competitions centered around garden tending, highlighting the skill and artistry involved in plant care.

Translations

Translations of the word "tend" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tender

🇮🇳 झुकाव रखना

🇩🇪 neigen

🇮🇩 cenderung

🇺🇦 схилятися

🇵🇱 mieć skłonność

🇯🇵 傾向がある

🇫🇷 avoir tendance à

🇪🇸 tender a

🇹🇷 eğilim göstermek

🇰🇷 경향이 있다

🇸🇦 يميل إلى

🇨🇿 mít sklon

🇸🇰 mať sklon

🇨🇳 倾向于

🇸🇮 nagibati se

🇮🇸 hafa tilhneigingu

🇰🇿 бейім болу

🇬🇪 გადახრა

🇦🇿 meyllənmək

🇲🇽 tender a

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,919, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.