attend - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
attend Word Meanings
- to go to a place, such as a meeting or event
- to pay attention to something
- to take care of someone or something
attend Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
attend Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/əˈtɛnd/
US
/əˈtɛnd/
attend Word Etymology
attend = ad- (to, toward) + tend (to stretch, to extend). Origin: Latin ‘attendere’ → Old French ‘atendre’ → English. Imagine someone stretching out their hand to greet you when you arrive, symbolizing the act of going to and participating.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I push off from the chair, move toward the door, and decide to attend the meeting. As I step inside, I shift my weight, set my gaze on the speaker, and keep my ears open for what matters. I listen, adjust my notes, and hold the thread of the conversation through the room. Attending feels like choosing to invest a little energy in others, letting focus and care settle into my actions.
Real Context
Attend means going to a place or event, as in attend a meeting or concert. It also means to pay attention to something, as in attend to details, or to take care of someone or something, as in attend a patient. It can be used for regular duties or formal occasions. Note that you can attend remotely or simply participate in mind, depending on context. The word comes from Latin attendere, through Old French atendre, and shares a sense of directing attention or service toward someone or something. Typical collocations include attend a class, attend to a task, attend to a guest. This word maps to several phrases in other languages, which learners often misplace.
Usage Reminders
- • Learn the three core senses: presence, attention, care.
- • Use 'attend' with 'to' when meaning attention or care (attend to details).
- • Distinguish attending an event (physical presence) from attending to a task (careful handling).
- • Common collocations: attend a class, attend a meeting, attend to a guest.
- • Watch out for false friends in other languages; not all 'attend' translates as attend in every sense.
- • Pronounce /əˈtend/, with the stress on the second syllable.
Common Misconceptions
- Attend always means being physically present at an event.
- Attend and attend to are interchangeable in all contexts.
- Attend means only to focus, not to take care of someone.
- Attending remotely is never possible.
- Attend is the same as intend or attempt because they sound similar.
Thinking Differences
In English, attend covers presence, attention, and care; learners often confuse attend with attend to; some phrases require physical presence, others not.
Learning Tips
- Build a mental map of attend's three senses.
- Memorize common collocations: attend a meeting, attend class, attend to details.
- Practice distinguishing presence vs attention vs care in sample sentences.
- Listen for nuance: 'attend' often implies some obligation or duty.
- Pronounce with stress on the second syllable: /əˈtend/.
- Use context clues to decide if physical presence is required.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'attend'?
A.Participate
B.Stay away
C.Listen
D.Ignore
Step 2: Usage
How is the word 'attend' used in a sentence?
A.She decided to attend the meeting
B.He avoided attending the event
C.They forgot to attend the concert
D.We will never attend the presentation
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is similar to 'attend'?
A.Surrender
B.Join
C.Neglect
D.Avoid
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is the opposite of 'attend'?
A.Participate
B.Engage
C.Partake
D.Stay away
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you use the word 'attend'?
A.In a deserted island
B.While sleeping
C.During a power outage
D.At a school assembly
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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