tend

[tend]

tend Definition

  • 1regularly or frequently behave in a particular way or have a certain characteristic
  • 2be liable to do or have something
  • 3take care of or look after someone or something

Using tend: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tend" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    She tends to be shy around strangers.

  • Example

    The weather tends to be rainy in this area.

  • Example

    Children tend to be more active than adults.

  • Example

    He tends to forget things easily.

tend Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for tend

  • be inclined
  • be disposed
  • have a tendency
  • care for
  • attend to
  • watch over

Antonyms for tend

Phrases with tend

  • tend to business

    to focus on one's work or responsibilities

    Example

    I can't go out tonight, I need to tend to business.

  • to mind one's own business and not interfere in the affairs of others

    Example

    I wish he would tend to his own knitting and stop meddling in my affairs.

  • to have a natural inclination or tendency towards something

    Example

    She tends toward being pessimistic about the future.

Origins of tend

from Old French 'tendre', meaning 'to stretch, hold forth'

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Summary: tend in Brief

The verb 'tend' [tend] describes a regular or frequent behavior or characteristic, as in 'She tends to be shy around strangers.' It can also mean being liable to do or have something, as in 'The weather tends to be rainy in this area.' Additionally, it can refer to taking care of or looking after someone or something, as in 'He tends to forget things easily.' Phrases like 'tend to business' and 'tend to one's knitting' denote focusing on one's work and minding one's own business, respectively.

How do native speakers use this expression?