Nearby Words

tending

[tend] Origin

tend

1[tend]
verb (used without object)
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 followed by to, toward, etc.): a path tending toward the beach.

Origin:
1300–50; Middle English tenden < Middle French tendre < Latin tendere to stretch, extend, proceed

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Tending is always a great word to know.
So is ort. Does it mean:
a scrap or morsel of food left at a meal.
an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance.
Dictionary.com Unabridged

tend

2[tend]
verb (used with object)
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).
verb (used without object)
4.
to attend by action, care, etc. (usually followed by to).
5.
tend on/upon, Archaic. to attend or wait upon; minister to; serve: She tended on the sick and dying with infinite compassion.

Origin:
1300–50; Middle English tenden, aphetic variant of attend
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

tend
"attend to," early 14c., aphetic of M.E. atenden (see attend).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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