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Tend - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

To tend means to regularly or frequently behave in a particular way or have a certain characteristic. It can also mean to care for or look after someone or something.

tend

/tɛnd/ /tɛnd/

Definition:

To regularly behave in a particular way or have a certain characteristic.

Synonyms:

incline, lean, gravitate, prefer

Part of Speech:

verb

Antonyms:

neglect, ignore

Common Collocations:

tend to agree, tend to forget, tend to avoid, tend to favor

Derivatives:

tendency, tending, tended

Usage Tips:

Use "tend" with an infinitive (e.g., "tend to forget") or a noun (e.g., "tend the garden").

Common Phrases:

tend toward, tend to do something, tend the flock

Etymology:

From Old French *tendre*, Latin *tendere* ("to stretch, aim").

Examples:

  • 1. Plants tend to grow toward sunlight.
  • 2. She tends to arrive late for meetings.
  • 3. He tends his garden every weekend.
  • 4. Dogs tend to bark at strangers.
  • 5. They tend toward optimism in difficult situations.

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