tend
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /tɛnd/
KK: /tɛnd/
intransitive verb
Definition
To have a natural inclination or tendency towards something, or to move in a particular direction.
Example
The path tends to the right as you walk up the hill.
Tense Forms
Past: tended
Past Participle: tended
Conversation
Do you notice how the trees tend to grow toward the sunlight?
Yeah, it's amazing how nature works that way.
I love how everything seems to tend towards light and warmth.
Exactly! It really shows the resilience of life.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
incline
lean
extend
Antonyms
diverge
depart
dissociate
transitive verb
Definition
To take care of someone or something, to look after or manage their needs.
Example
She tends to her garden every weekend, making sure the plants are healthy.
Tense Forms
Past: tended
Past Participle: tended
Conversation
I noticed you really tend to your garden every weekend.
Yeah, I love spending time outside and caring for the plants.
What do you do to tend to them so well?
Root Explanation
Tend → It originates from the Latin word 'tendere' (meaning to stretch or extend). The word 'tend' means to stretch or extend towards something, often implying care or attention towards it.
Memory Tip
Think of 'stretching' towards something — that's why 'tend' means to care for or pay attention to something.
Visually Confused Words
trend
teind
stend
ten
ted
end
uptend
tented