Dictionary
tend
Pronunciation: (tend), [key]—
v.i.
1. to be disposed or inclined in action, operation, or effect to do something:
The particles tend to unite.
2. to be disposed toward an idea, emotion, way of thinking, etc.:
He tends to be overly optimistic. Her religious philosophy tends toward pantheism.
3. to lead or conduce, as to some result or resulting condition:
measures tending to improved working conditions; Governments are tending toward democracy.
4. to be inclined to or have a tendency toward a particular quality, state, or degree:
This wine tends toward the sweet side.
5. (of a journey, course, road, etc.) to lead or be directed in a particular direction (usually fol. by
to, toward, etc.):
a path tending toward the beach. tend
Pronunciation: (tend), [key]—
v.t.
1. to attend to by work or services, care, etc.:
to tend a fire.
2. to look after; watch over and care for; minister to or wait on with service:
to tend the sick.
3. Naut.to handle or attend to (a rope).
—
v.i.
1. to attend by action, care, etc. (usually fol. by
to).
2. tend on or upon, Archaic.to attend or wait upon; minister to; serve:
She tended on the sick and dying with infinite compassion. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
