(~s, ~ing, ~ed)
Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.
1.
If something ~s to happen, it usually happens or it often happens.
A problem for manufacturers is that lighter cars ~ to be noisy...
VERB: V to-inf
2.
If you ~ towards a particular characteristic, you often display that characteristic.
Artistic and intellectual people ~ towards left-wing views.
VERB: V towards n, also V to n
3.
You can say that you ~ to think something when you want to give your opinion, but do not want it to seem too forceful or definite.
I ~ to think that members of parliament by and large do a good job.
VERB: V to-inf vagueness
4.
If you ~ someone or something, you do what is necessary to keep them in a good condition or to improve their condition. (FORMAL)
For years he ~ed her in her painful illness...
= look after
VERB: V n
5.
If you ~ to someone or something, you pay attention to them and deal with their problems and needs.
In our culture, girls are brought up to ~ to the needs of others...
= at~
VERB: V to n