tender

28 ENTRIES FOUND:

1ten·der

adj \ˈten-dər\

Definition of TENDER

1
a : having a soft or yielding texture : easily broken, cut, or damaged : delicate, fragile <tender feet> b : easily chewed : succulent
2
a : physically weak : not able to endure hardship b : immature, young <children of tender age> c : incapable of resisting cold : not hardy <tender perennials>
3
: marked by, responding to, or expressing the softer emotions : fond, loving <a tender lover>
4
a : showing care : considerate, solicitous <tender regard> b : highly susceptible to impressions or emotions : impressionable <a tender conscience>
5
a : appropriate or conducive to a delicate or sensitive constitution or character : gentle, mild <tender breeding> <tender irony> b : delicate or soft in quality or tone <never before heard the piano sound so tender — Elva S. Daniels>
6
obsolete : dear, precious
7
a : sensitive to touch or palpation <the bruise was still tender> b : sensitive to injury or insult : touchy <tender pride> c : demanding careful and sensitive handling : ticklish <a tender situation> d of a boat : easily tipped by an external force
ten·der·ly adverb
ten·der·ness noun

Examples of TENDER

  1. He gave her a tender look.
  2. She was tender and loving with her new child.
  3. Cook the pasta until it is just tender.
  4. Her wrist was swollen and tender.

Origin of TENDER

Middle English, from Anglo-French tendre, from Latin tener; perhaps akin to Latin tenuis thin, slight — more at thin
First Known Use: 13th century

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