[tend] 
| 1. | to be disposed or inclined in action, operation, or effect to do something: The particles tend to unite. |
| 2. | to be disposed toward an idea, emotion, way of thinking, etc.: He tends to be overly optimistic. Her religious philosophy tends toward pantheism. |
| 3. | to lead or conduce, as to some result or resulting condition: measures tending to improved working conditions; Governments are tending toward democracy. |
| 4. | to be inclined to or have a tendency toward a particular quality, state, or degree: This wine tends toward the sweet side. |
| 5. | (of a journey, course, road, etc.) to lead or be directed in a particular direction (usually fol. by to, toward, etc.): a path tending toward the beach. |
[tend] | 1. | to attend to by work or services, care, etc.: to tend a fire. |
| 2. | to look after; watch over and care for; minister to or wait on with service: to tend the sick. |
| 3. | Nautical. to handle or attend to (a rope). |
| 4. | to attend by action, care, etc. (usually fol. by to). |
| 5. | tend on or upon, Archaic. to attend or wait upon; minister to; serve: She tended on the sick and dying with infinite compassion. |
tend to
Apply one's attention, as in We should tend to our business, which is to teach youngsters. This term uses tend in the sense of "attend." [1300s]
Be disposed or inclined, as in We tend to believe whatever we are told. This term uses tend in the sense of "have a tendency." [c. 1600]