[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. |
