Definition of attend to

The word "attend" has been used for several centuries to describe the act of being present or available in various contexts. The origin of the phrase "attend to" can be traced back to Old English, where it was spelled "ærendan" and meant "to await," "to watch," or "to see." This meaning evolved over time as the prefix "at-" was added to create a compound word with a more implied sense of "taking care of" or "giving attention to." In Middle English, "attenden" meant "to listen," "to pay attention," or "to be present." It was also used to denote a servant's duty to be at the ready for his master's needs. By the 13th century, "attenden" appeared in its current form as "attennten," with the "t" being fused with the "t" of the next word. In its contemporary use, "attend to" describes the act of being mindful of or considering something. The phrase has come to signify a variety of actions, from addressing a particular issue or situation to providing assistance or caring for someone. Overall, the usage of "attend to" has broadened over time to encompass a range of meanings, but its roots can be traced back to the Old English word "ærendan" and its subsequent changes in Middle English.