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tend1

tend1

 
 
pronunciation:
tend
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Grammatical Patterns
part of speech: intransitive verb
inflections: tends, tending, tended
definition 1: to have an inclination or disposition to behave in a certain way or display a certain characteristic; be inclined.
Human beings tend to fear things that are unfamiliar to them.[verb + infinitive ] He tends to speak very softly when he's nervous.[verb + infinitive ] This breed of dog tends to be lively and require a great deal of exercise.[verb + infinitive ]
synonyms:
incline, trend
similar words:
gravitate, lean
definition 2: to go in a certain direction (usu. fol. by "to" or "toward").
This area gets more pollution when the wind tends to the east.The road tends toward the right as it reaches the bottom of the hill.
synonyms:
bear, head, trend
similar words:
aim, bend, drift, gravitate, steer
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