atendía

Atendía is the imperfect indicative form of the Spanish verb atender. The verb atender has meanings related to giving attention, taking care of someone or something, assisting, or responding to a call. In the imperfect, atendía is used to describe past habitual or ongoing actions: for example, yo atendía, tú atendías, él atendía, nosotros atendíamos, vosotros atendíais, ellos atendían.

Usage examples illustrate its range. It can mean taking care of someone or something in the past: “La enfermera atendía a los pacientes,” or “Mi padre me atendía cuando estaba enfermo.” It can also mean responding to or serving, as in “El dependiente atendía a los clientes” or “La casa atendía las necesidades de la familia.” Additionally, it can express paying attention or attending to a matter: “La profesora atendía las dudas de los estudiantes,” and in the sense of answering a call, “atender la llamada” (to answer the phone).

Etymology and related terms. Atender derives from Latin attendere, from ad- “toward” plus tendere “to stretch; to aim.” The noun corresponding to the action is atención. Related verbs include prestar atención (to pay attention) and cuidar o asistir (to take care of, to assist).

Notes. Be aware that atendía can be either first person singular (yo atendía) or third person singular (él/ella/usted atendía) in the imperfect, with the subject clarified by context. Distinguish atender from asistir (to attend, in the sense of being present at an event) and from prestar atención (to pay attention).