Latin · root
tendere
stretch, extend; direct toward
Forms
- tend-
- tens- — Latin stem of a form meaning ‘stretched.’
- tent- — Alternative stem of a Latin form meaning ‘stretched.’
Origin
Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *ten-, ‘stretch.’
Note
Physical stretching became a metaphor for directing the mind toward something.
Words sharing this root
attendTo direct careful attention to someone's needs.attendTo be present with someone or at an event.attendanceBeing present at a particular place or event.attendantAccompanying something as a related circumstance or result.attendantA person employed to help or serve people or supervise a place.attentionDirected awareness of someone or something.attentiveCarefully noticing and responding to what is happening.contendTo press one's position against opposition.contentionThe pressing of a position against opposition.distendTo swell or cause to expand from internal pressure.distentionSwelling or expansion caused by pressure from within.extendTo stretch something's reach beyond its previous limits.extensibleAble to be made longer or expanded.extensionAn addition that takes something beyond its previous limits.extensionA movement that straightens a bent joint.extensiveLarge in amount, area, or scope.extentHow far something reaches or applies.intendTo have something in mind as an aim.intendedA person someone plans to marry.intenseVery strong or deeply felt.intensiveConcentrating substantial effort within a limited scope or period.intensiveAdding emphasis to meaning in grammar.intentA purpose toward which attention and determination are directed.intentionA purpose or aim behind a planned action.ostensibleAppearing or stated to be true, but possibly not.portendTo be a sign that something, especially something bad, will happen.portentA sign that something significant, often bad, may happen.portentousSuggesting that something of great importance is about to happen.pretendActing as if something imagined or untrue were real.pretenseA false or exaggerated display meant to create a particular impression.pretensionAn exaggerated or unjustified claim to importance or ability.pretentiousTrying to seem more important, cultured, or impressive than is justified.supera person responsible for day-to-day supervision, especially of a buildingsuperintendentSomeone responsible for supervising an operation.tendLook after someone or something.tendencyAn inclination to behave or develop in a particular way.tenseHeld tight under strain.tensileRelating to stretching or resistance to pulling forces.tensionA state of strain produced by pulling forces.tentA portable fabric shelter, or to camp in or cover with one.