tend to

T t

Definitions of tend to words

verb without object tend to to attend by action, care, etc. (usually followed by to). 1
verb with object tend to to attend to by work or services, care, etc.: to tend a fire. 1
verb with object tend to to look after; watch over and care for; minister to or wait on with service: to tend the sick. 1
verb with object tend to Nautical. to handle or attend to (a rope). 1

before 1300

One of the 15% oldest English words

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

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 98% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.

Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

care — If you care about something, you feel that it is important and are concerned about it.
mothering — a female parent.