Tend vs. Tendency — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 8, 2024
"Tend" is a verb meaning to care for or have a propensity toward something, while "tendency" is a noun describing an inclination or predisposition.
Difference Between Tend and Tendency
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"Tend" is used as a verb that implies taking care of something or having a natural inclination to behave in a certain way. On the other hand, "tendency" is a noun that refers to a consistent pattern or inclination in behavior, circumstances, or nature. It denotes a predisposition to act or react in a specific manner over time, such as a tendency to procrastinate.
While "tend" focuses on the act or the process of exhibiting a certain behavior or care, "tendency" highlights the general inclination or pattern itself.
For instance, if someone has a tendency to arrive late, they might frequently tend to underestimate travel time.
The distinction marks "tend" as a dynamic verb showing ongoing action or habit, whereas "tendency" serves as a static noun describing a characteristic or habitual pattern.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb
Noun
ADVERTISEMENT
Definition
To take care of, give attention to, or have a natural inclination toward something.
An inclination towards a particular characteristic or type of behavior.
Focus
Action or behavior
Inclination or pattern
Usage Context
Often used to describe actions or repeated behaviors.
Used to describe general patterns or predispositions.
Example
"She tends to be very meticulous with her work."
"He has a tendency to forget appointments."
Compare with Definitions
Tend
To take care or look after; to give one's attention to.
She tends to the plants in her greenhouse.
Tendency
A statistical trend observed in numerical data.
Recent data shows a tendency of decreasing sales in this sector.
Tend
To manage or run something.
He tends the bar on weekends.
Tendency
A natural disposition to move, proceed, or act in some direction or toward some point, end, or result.
The market has a tendency to fluctuate wildly.
Tend
To be likely to behave in a particular way or have a particular characteristic.
We tend to eat more during the holidays.
Tendency
The likelihood of behaving in a particular way.
His tendency to exaggerate is well known among his friends.
Tend
To lead or be directed toward a particular direction, result, or conclusion.
The evidence tends to prove his innocence.
Tendency
An inclination towards a particular characteristic or behavior.
There's a tendency for people to resist change.
Tend
To be disposed or inclined to a particular action.
They tend to avoid conflict.
Tendency
A pattern or habit of behavior that occurs consistently over time.
Her tendency to speak quickly can make her difficult to understand.
Tend
To have a tendency
Paint that tends toward bubbling and peeling over time.
Tendency
An inclination towards a particular characteristic or type of behaviour
For students, there is a tendency to socialize in the evenings
Criminal tendencies
Tend
To be disposed or inclined
Tends toward exaggeration.
Tendency
A characteristic likelihood
Fabric that has a tendency to wrinkle.
Tend
To move or extend in a certain direction
Our ship tended northward.
Tendency
A predisposition to think, act, or proceed in a particular way
His tendency to exaggerate.
Tend
To have the care of; watch over; look after
Tend a child.
Tendency
A characteristic pattern or point of view
The book's tendency to oversimplify events.
Tend
To manage the activities and transactions of; run
Tend bar.
Tend a store in the owner's absence.
Tendency
Movement or prevailing movement in a given direction
Observed the tendency of the wind.
The shoreward tendency of the current.
Tend
To be an attendant or servant.
Tendency
A likelihood of behaving in a particular way or going in a particular direction; a tending toward.
Denim has a tendency to fade.
I have a tendency to get bored after the first half an hour of a movie.
There's a common tendency among first-game visitors to a casino to bet overcautiously.
Tend
To apply one's attention; attend
No time to tend to my diary.
Tendency
(politics) An organised unit or faction within a larger political organisation.
Tend
To make a tender of; to offer or tender.
Tendency
Direction or course toward any place, object, effect, or result; drift; causal or efficient influence to bring about an effect or result.
Writings of this kind, if conducted with candor, have a more particular tendency to the good of their country.
In every experimental science, there is a tendency toward perfection.
Tend
(followed by a to-infinitive) To be likely, or probable to do something, or to have a certain habit or leaning.
They tend to go out on Saturdays.
It tends to snow here in winter.
Tendency
An attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others;
He had an inclination to give up too easily
A tendency to be too strict
Tend
(intransitive) To contribute to or toward some outcome.
Tendency
An inclination to do something;
He felt leanings toward frivolity
Tend
(with to) To look after (e.g. an ill person.)
We need to tend to the garden, which has become a mess.
Tendency
A characteristic likelihood of or natural disposition toward a certain condition or character or effect;
The alkaline inclination of the local waters
Fabric with a tendency to shrink
Tend
To accompany as an assistant or protector; to care for the wants of; to look after; to watch; to guard.
Shepherds tend their flocks.
Tendency
A general direction in which something tends to move;
The shoreward tendency of the current
The trend of the stock market
Tend
To wait (upon), as attendants or servants; to serve; to attend.
Tend
(obsolete) To await; to expect.
Tend
(obsolete) To be attentive to; to note carefully; to attend to.
Tend
To manage (an anchored vessel) when the tide turns, to prevent it from entangling the cable when swinging.
Tend
To kindle; ignite; set on fire; light; inflame; burn.
Tend
To make a tender of; to offer or tender.
Tend
To accompany as an assistant or protector; to care for the wants of; to look after; to watch; to guard; as, shepherds tend their flocks.
And flaming ministers to watch and tendTheir earthly charge.
There 's not a sparrow or a wren,There 's not a blade of autumn grain,Which the four seasons do not tendAnd tides of life and increase lend.
Tend
To be attentive to; to note carefully; to attend to.
Being to descendA ladder much in height, I did not tendMy way well down.
Tend
To wait, as attendants or servants; to serve; to attend; - with on or upon.
Was he not companion with the riotous knightsThat tend upon my father?
Tend
To await; to expect.
Tend
To move in a certain direction; - usually with to or towards.
Two gentlemen tending towards that sight.
Thus will this latter, as the former world,Still tend from bad to worse.
The clouds above me to the white Alps tend.
Tend
To be directed, as to any end, object, or purpose; to aim; to have or give a leaning; to exert activity or influence; to serve as a means; to contribute; as, our petitions, if granted, might tend to our destruction.
The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
The laws of our religion tend to the universal happiness of mankind.
Tend
Have a tendency or disposition to do or be something; be inclined;
She tends to be nervous before her lectures
These dresses run small
He inclined to corpulence
Tend
Have care of or look after;
She tends to the children
Tend
Manage or run;
Tend a store
Common Curiosities
What does it mean when someone says they tend to something?
When someone says they tend to something, it means they are taking care of or giving attention to it, often implying regular maintenance or oversight.
Is 'tendency' always negative?
No, 'tendency' is not always negative; it can describe any consistent pattern, whether positive, negative, or neutral.
Can organizations have tendencies?
Yes, organizations can have tendencies, such as a tendency to innovate or a tendency to be conservative in decision-making.
What role does 'tend' play in statistical analysis?
In statistical analysis, "tend" might be used informally to describe a general direction or trend observed in data, although more specific statistical terms are usually preferred.
Can 'tend' imply a future action?
Yes, "tend" can imply a future action, especially when discussing a habit or likelihood of behaving in a certain way in the future.
How can understanding someone's tendencies be beneficial?
Understanding someone’s tendencies can help predict their behavior, improve communication, and foster better relationships, both personally and professionally.
How does 'tend' relate to personal habits?
"Tend" relates to personal habits as it describes actions that are commonly performed, indicating a sort of routine or inclination in daily behavior.
Are tendencies hard to change?
Tendencies can be hard to change as they are often ingrained patterns of behavior or thought, but with conscious effort and strategies, it is possible to modify them.
What might influence a person's tendencies?
A person's tendencies can be influenced by a variety of factors, including upbringing, culture, experiences, and personal values.
What is the difference between a tendency and a compulsion?
A tendency is a general inclination or pattern, whereas a compulsion is a strong, usually irresistible impulse to perform an act, often against one's conscious wishes.
How can I identify my own tendencies?
Identifying your own tendencies can involve self-reflection, seeking feedback from others, and observing your responses and behaviors in various situations.
Is there a psychological aspect to 'tendency'?
Yes, in psychology, a tendency refers to predictable behaviors or thoughts that a person exhibits, often studied to understand personality and behavioral patterns.
Can 'tend' be used in a legal context?
Yes, "tend" can be used in a legal context to describe how evidence might lean towards a particular interpretation or conclusion.
Can cultural factors affect tendencies?
Yes, cultural factors significantly affect tendencies, as cultural norms and values can shape the behaviors and expectations that become typical within a community.
How do tendencies form in children?
Tendencies in children form through a combination of genetic factors, environmental influences, and learned behaviors from their surroundings.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Minima vs. Minimums
Next Comparison
Assistant vs. InternAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
