tend
UK: tɛnd | US: tɛnd
Definition
vi. to be inclined or likely to behave in a particular way
vt. to care for or look after someone or something
Structure
tend <stretch, aim>
Etymology
The word "tend" originates from the Latin tendere, meaning "to stretch, aim, or extend." Over time, it evolved in Old French as tendre (to stretch or strive) before entering Middle English with the sense of "to incline toward" or "to care for." The dual meanings—physical stretching and metaphorical inclination—reflect the word's logical progression from literal movement to abstract tendency.
Examples
Plants tend to grow toward sunlight.
She tends to arrive early for meetings.
He tends his garden with great care.
Prices tend to rise during inflation.
Nurses tend to patients in the hospital.