tenderness
TEN-der-nes
/ˈtɛndərnəs/
Gentleness, kindness, and affection.
Focuses on soft, delicate, and protective physical or emotional warmth.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'tener', meaning soft, delicate, or young. It originally described physical textures before evolving to describe soft, gentle emotional states.
Word relationships
- gentleness: Gentleness is the quality of being mild and calm, while tenderness specifically incorporates deep affectionate warmth.
- harshness: Harshness is the quality of being rough, cruel, or severe.
Commonly confused with
- tendency: A tendency is an inclination toward a certain behavior, while tenderness is gentleness and care.
Word family
- tender (adjective): Showing gentleness and concern or sympathy.
- tenderly (adverb): With gentleness, kindness, or affection.
Collocations
- great tenderness
- touch with tenderness
- speak with tenderness
- moments of tenderness
Example sentences
- "The nurse treated the crying child with great tenderness, speaking in a soft, soothing voice." A nursing scene
Memory hook
Think of a 'tender' cut of meat—it is soft, delicate, and easily bruised, requiring gentle handling. Soft and delicate
When not to use
Do not use to describe intense, passionate, or aggressive forms of love.
Fun facts
- The double meaning of 'tender' (gentle vs. a formal offer like a 'legal tender') comes from two completely different Latin roots: 'tener' (soft) and 'tendere' (to stretch out).
Related words
Explore more words
tender, affectionate, fondness, sentimental, attentiveness, nurture
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