attendant
UK: əˈtɛndənt | US: əˈtɛndənt
n. 1. A person employed to provide a service, especially in a public place (e.g., flight attendant).
n. 2. Someone who accompanies or assists another (e.g., a royal attendant).
adj. 1. Accompanying or following as a result (e.g., attendant circumstances).
The word "attendant" originates from Old French atendant (present participle of atendre, meaning "to wait or serve"), derived from Latin attendere ("to stretch toward, heed"). The root tend (from Latin tendere, "to stretch") implies attention or service directed toward someone. The suffix -ant (Latin -antem) denotes an agent, forming nouns for individuals performing an action. Over time, "attendant" evolved from a general "one who waits" to specialized roles (e.g., service staff).
The flight attendant demonstrated the safety procedures.
The king’s attendant handed him the royal seal.
Poverty and its attendant hardships affected the community.
Museum attendants ensure visitors follow the rules.
She worked as a parking attendant during summer.