tend

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).

“Tend” is pronounced TEHND (/ˈtɛnd/ in IPA).

Here is “tend” used in a sentence: “Prices tend to rise around the holidays.”

“Tend” is a verb.

The word “tend” comes from Latin. From Old French tendre ("to stretch out, offer"), from Latin tendere ("to stretch, extend").

“Tend” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“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.

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.

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.

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.