verb
tend
TEHND
verb
1
To be likely to behave, happen, or turn out in a particular way.
"Prices tend to rise around the holidays."
"He tends to get nervous before big presentations."
2
To look after or care for someone or something.
"A nurse came by twice a day to tend the patient."
How to Use Tend
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither "usually does X" (tend to) or "takes care of" (tend a garden, tend a wound).
Common pairings
tend to
tend a garden
tend the sick
Word Forms
tended past tense, tended past tense, tended past tense, tends singular, tends singular, tends singular
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “tend”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Prices _____ to rise around the holidays.
Etymology
From Old French tendre ("to stretch out, offer"), from Latin tendere ("to stretch, extend").