German word

zuwenden

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈtsuːvɛndən/

Meaning

  • verbdirect

Example

Sie wendet dem Kind viel Aufmerksamkeit zu.

She directs a great deal of attention to the child.

Illustration for zuwenden (direct)

More examples

Die Wissenschaftlerin wendet ihrem Forschungsprojekt mehr Zeit zu.

The scientist devotes more time to her research project.

Core concept

A person turns their face, attention, or affection toward a particular target and directs it there.

Common phrases

  • seiner Forschung mehr Zeit zuwenden

    devote more time to his research

  • einer Idee Aufmerksamkeit zuwenden

    pay attention to an idea

Similar words

sich wenden an: To approach someone for help or speak directly to them.
konzentrieren (auf): To concentrate attention or effort on a particular target.
lenken (auf): To direct attention or one's gaze toward a particular direction or target.

Definition in German

sich oder etwas in Richtung einer Person oder Sache richten; besonders Aufmerksamkeit oder Zuneigung auf sie lenken

Word origin

The verb combines the directional prefix "zu-" with inherited Germanic "wenden" meaning to turn, producing the sense of turning toward something.

Usage tips

  • In "sich jemandem zuwenden," the person receiving the attention is in the dative, while the attention or other thing directed toward them is in the accusative.

Other meanings

  • devoteverb
  • giveverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Zuwendungsupportnoun
  • zugewandtattentiveadjective

Word lists with this word