tend
TEHND
Tend (verb) means to be likely to behave, happen, or turn out in a particular way. Example: “Prices tend to rise around the holidays.”
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."
"Cats tend to sleep more during cold weather."
2
To look after or care for someone or something.
"A nurse came by twice a day to tend the patient."
"She tends the vegetable patch every evening after work."
"Shepherds tend their flocks through the night in spring."
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
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like tend.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- tends
- Past tense
- tended
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").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for tend
See all rhymes for tend →Frequently asked questions
What does “tend” mean?
The word “tend” means to be likely to behave, happen, or turn out in a particular way. In plain terms, either "usually does X" (tend to) or "takes care of" (tend a garden, tend a wound).
How do you pronounce “tend”?
“Tend” is pronounced TEHND (/ˈtɛnd/ in IPA).
How do you use “tend” in a sentence?
Here is “tend” used in a sentence: “Prices tend to rise around the holidays.”
What part of speech is “tend”?
“Tend” is a verb.
Where does the word “tend” come from?
The word “tend” comes from Latin. From Old French tendre ("to stretch out, offer"), from Latin tendere ("to stretch, extend").
Is “tend” a common word?
“Tend” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “tend” have?
“Tend” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to be likely to behave, happen, or turn out in a particular way.
What is an example of tend in a sentence?
You might say, 'Prices tend to rise before the holidays,' meaning they usually do, though not always. Other examples include 'She tends to arrive early' and 'These plants tend to grow quickly.' In each case, tend describes a general pattern or likelihood rather than a fixed certainty.
What is the difference between tend and always?
Tend describes what usually or generally happens, leaving room for exceptions, while always means without exception, every single time. Saying someone tends to be late suggests a habit that can be broken; saying they are always late allows no exceptions. Tend is the softer, more cautious word.
Does tend also mean to look after something?
Yes. Tend is a separate but common sense meaning to care for or look after, as in tending a garden, tending sheep, or tending to a patient. This dictionary entry covers the other main sense: to be likely to behave or happen in a particular way.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include tend:
