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v. at·tend·ed, at·tend·ing, at·tends v.tr. 1. a. To be present at: attended the lecture. b. To go regularly to: attended class every Tuesday and Thursday. 2. To accompany as a circumstance or follow as a result: The speech was attended by wild applause. 3. a. To take care of (a sick person, for example). See Synonyms at tend2. b. To accompany or wait upon as a companion or servant. 4. To take charge of: They attended our affairs during our absence. 5. To listen to; heed: attended my every word. 6. Archaic To wait for; expect. v.intr. 1. To be present, as at a scheduled event. 2. To take care; give attention: We'll attend to that problem later. 3. To apply or direct oneself; take action: attended to their business. 4. To pay attention: attended disinterestedly to the debate. 5. To remain ready to serve; wait. 6. Obsolete To delay or wait. [Middle English attenden, from Old French atendre, from Latin attendere, to heed : ad-, ad- + tendere, to stretch; see ten- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] at·tender n. |
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