Tending: meaning, definitions and examples

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tending

[ˈtɛndɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

gardening

Taking care of a garden by watering, weeding, and pruning plants to ensure they grow well.

Synonyms

caring for, looking after, nurturing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tending	Used in the context of routine maintenance or attention, often with plants or animals. She spends her mornings tending the garden The farmer was busy tending his flock
caring for	Implies providing attention and assistance to someone or something in need of support. He is caring for his elderly mother They have been caring for the injured bird
looking after	Generally refers to supervising or being responsible for someone or something. She is looking after her friend's children while they are on vacation He asked his neighbor to look after his house
nurturing	Emphasizes fostering growth and development, often in an emotional or educational context. The teacher was nurturing the young minds in her classroom Parents play a key role in nurturing their child's talents

Examples of usage

She spends hours tending to her flowers every day.
He enjoys tending to his vegetable garden in the evenings.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

animals

Looking after or taking care of animals, such as feeding, grooming, and exercising them.

Synonyms

attending to, caring for, taking care of.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tending	Usually used when taking regular care of something, like a garden or animals. She spends her mornings tending to her rose garden The farmer is tending to his cattle
taking care of	A general term for managing, protecting or looking after someone or something. She is taking care of the baby this afternoon He is taking care of all the preparations for the event
caring for	Used when providing long-term care or emotional support, often for people, especially those who are ill or elderly. He is caring for his elderly mother She has been caring for the children while their parents are away
attending to	Implies giving attention to someone or something that requires immediate concern or care. The nurse is attending to the patient's needs She had to leave early to attend to a family emergency

Examples of usage

The farmer tending to his livestock early in the morning.
She has a special bond with the horses she tends.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

hospitality

The act of serving customers or guests in a business, such as a restaurant or hotel.

Synonyms

attention, care, service.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tending	This word is often used in contexts related to maintaining or looking after something, such as plants, machinery, or even animals. She spends her mornings tending to her garden The farmer was busy tending to his sheep
service	Service is generally used in a professional or formal context where assistance or utility is provided. It can involve customer service, repair, or public services. The restaurant is known for its excellent service She called customer service to resolve the issue
care	Care typically implies a deeper level of concern or responsibility, often in the context of health, well-being, or emotional support. The elderly man needs constant care She takes good care of her younger siblings
attention	Attention is used when referring to the focus or concentration given to someone or something. This can be in both personal and professional settings. His presentation grabbed everyone's attention Please pay attention to the road while driving

Examples of usage

She has a natural talent for tending to the needs of hotel guests.
Good tending is essential for the success of any hospitality business.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'tend' comes from the Latin word 'tendere,' meaning 'to stretch' or 'to direct.'
It has been used in English since the 14th century, initially referring to 'stretching' towards someone or something.
The modern usage reflects a broader meaning of caring and nurturing, evolving over centuries.

Psychology

Tending often links to emotional support, where individuals provide comfort and care to those in distress, enhancing social bonds.
Research shows that caring behaviors can boost one's own happiness and well-being, creating a positive feedback loop.
The act of tending can also serve as a coping mechanism during stressful times, as focusing on others can help reduce personal anxiety.

Agriculture

In farming, 'tending' refers to the daily activities involved in caring for crops and livestock to ensure their health and productivity.
Techniques such as pruning, watering, and pest control are all considered methods of tending to plants.
Sustainable practices in agriculture highlight the importance of tending to the environment while producing food.

Literature

In poetry and prose, 'tending' often symbolizes care and responsibility towards others, reflecting themes of love and sacrifice.
Classic literature frequently uses characters tending to gardens or animals as metaphors for personal growth and nurturing relationships.
The recurring theme of tending in stories emphasizes the significance of caregiving in human experience and societal connections.

Cultural Practices

Many cultures have rituals involving 'tending' to ancestors or spirits, showing respect and care for family legacies.
In community settings, the act of tending often extends to looking after neighbors, highlighting collective responsibility.
Certain traditions include tending rituals for seasonal changes, aligning caretaking with the cycles of nature.

Translations

Translations of the word "tending" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cuidando

cuidando de
tratando

🇮🇳 देखभाल करना

🇩🇪 pflegen

kümmern
betreuen

🇮🇩 merawat

🇺🇦 доглядати

🇵🇱 opieka

dbanie
pielęgnowanie

🇯🇵 世話をする

🇫🇷 soigner

🇪🇸 cuidando

🇹🇷 bakım

🇰🇷 돌보다

🇸🇦 يرعى

🇨🇿 pečovat

🇸🇰 starať sa

🇨🇳 照顾

🇸🇮 skrb

🇮🇸 sjá um

🇰🇿 күту

🇬🇪 მოვლა

🇦🇿 qayğı

🇲🇽 cuidando

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,566 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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6563 professors
6564 celebration
6565 inlet
6566 tending
6567 wasted
6568 accessed
6569 anymore
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