Tending

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.
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).
Verb phrases
5.
tend on/upon, Archaic. to attend or wait upon; minister to; serve:
She tended on the sick and dying with infinite compassion.
verb when intr, usually foll by to or towards
1.
(when transitive, takes an infinitive) to have a general disposition (to do something); be inclined: children tend to prefer sweets to meat
2.
(intransitive) to have or be an influence (towards a specific result); be conducive: the party atmosphere tends to hilarity
3.
(intransitive) to go or move (in a particular direction): to tend to the south
verb
1.
(transitive) to care for: to tend wounded soldiers
2.
when intr, often foll by to. to attend (to): to tend to someone’s needs
3.
(transitive) to handle or control: to tend a fire
4.
(informal, mainly US & Canadian) (intransitive) often foll by to. to pay attention