| 単語 | 意味 | コア・イメージ |
|---|---|---|
| tend | 世話をする、面倒を見る | care for / look after |
| tendency | 傾向 | 何かに向かう性質、方向性 |
| tender | 優しい、柔らかい | 傾ける → 心を傾ける → 優しい |
| attend | 出席する、世話をする | ad + tend = 「～に向かう」 → 注意を向ける / 世話する |
| pretend | ふりをする、見せかける | pre + tend = 「前に向ける」 → 本当でない状態を見せかける |
| extend | 延長する、広げる | ex + tend = 「外に伸ばす」 |
| contend | 争う、主張する | con + tend = 「一緒に向かう」 → 競う / 主張する |
| intend | 意図する | in + tend = 「中に向ける」 → 心を向ける → 意図する |
| tension | 緊張 | tend の状態 → 引っ張ること → 緊張 |
| attendant | 世話人、付き人 | attend の人 → 世話する人 |
Core Meaning of “tend”
The core meaning of tend is:
“to move or lean naturally in a certain direction.”
It describes a gradual, natural inclination toward something — not a strong intention, but a general drift.
1. Tendency (tend to + verb)
When we say someone tends to do something, it means they naturally or habitually move in that direction.
Example:
People tend to worry about the future.
(People naturally lean toward worrying.)
2. Direction (tend toward)
When something tends toward something, it gradually moves or leans in that direction.
Example:
His ideas tend toward simplicity.
(His ideas lean in the direction of simplicity.)
3. Care / Attention (tend + object)
In another sense, tend means to give attention or care. The idea is that your focus is directed toward something.
Example:
She tends the garden.
(She directs care and attention toward the garden.)
Summary
At its core, tend expresses natural direction, inclination, or attention toward something.