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DictionaryRoot: tendere
Latin

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.

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verb

attend

uh-TEND/əˈtend/

To be present with someone or at an event.

Several adults attend a small lecture in the classroom.

Diverse adults sit present at a small lecture in a classroom.
Etymology
atLatinto, toward; addition; sometimes emphasis
+tendLatinstretch, extend; direct toward

Attend originally pictured stretching one's mind toward something—giving it attention. Its senses of waiting upon and accompanying someone connect that mental attention with being physically present.

In context

Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida24:12
if you come to our school you do have to attend the chapel services and attend any required religious classes that we have
Bishop Gregory O. Brewer, 2020 Diocesan Convention Address

More examples

  • She attended every meeting during her first year.
  • Two aides attended the ambassador throughout the visit.
  • His family will be attending the graduation ceremony.

Forms

attend · attends · attended · attending

Similar words

join
Emphasizes becoming part of an activity or group.
accompany
Specifically means going along with someone rather than being present generally.