To tend to something means to take care of it or look after it. It can also mean to usually behave in a certain way over time.
From Old French *tendre* or *tendre vers* meaning 'to stretch toward', from Latin *tendere* 'to stretch, extend, aim'. The idea of 'stretching toward' became 'leaning toward' or 'being likely to'.
When you 'tend' to something, you’re literally 'stretching yourself toward' it. And when you 'tend to be late', your behavior is leaning or stretching in that direction again and again.
Care verbs like 'tend' have been disproportionately applied to women, reinforcing expectations that women should tend children, homes, and emotions as unpaid or undervalued labor. This shaped perceptions of who is 'naturally' suited to caregiving.
Use 'tend' for care work across all genders; avoid implying that caregiving is inherently women's work.
["care for","look after","maintain","be inclined to"]
Women have long organized to have tending and caregiving work recognized as skilled labor, not just 'natural' female duty.
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