Tender
Meaning:
The word “tender” has multiple meanings depending on the context, but it generally refers to something soft, gentle, or easily damaged, either physically or emotionally. It can also describe a kind or caring attitude or a formal offer, such as in business or law.
History and Origins:
“Tender” originates from the Old French word tendre, which comes from the Latin tendere, meaning “to stretch” or “to extend.” The word has been used in English since the 14th century, initially to describe something soft or delicate, and later expanded to include emotional and formal uses.
Definitions and Meaning in English:
- Soft and easily bruised or hurt – Describing something physically delicate or sensitive.
- Example: “The tender meat easily fell apart after being cooked for hours.”
- Gentle or kind – Used to describe a person or action that shows warmth, care, or affection.
- Example: “He gave her a tender kiss before she left for the trip.”
- Vulnerable or sensitive emotionally – Describing a sensitive or fragile emotional state.
- Example: “Her heart was tender after the loss of her beloved pet.”
- A formal offer or proposal – In a business context, a tender refers to a formal offer, especially in bidding situations.
- Example: “The company submitted a tender for the construction project.”
Detailed Explanation:
“Tender” can be used in various contexts to describe softness or gentleness, either physically or emotionally. When referring to something physical, such as “tender meat” or “tender skin,” it means that it is soft or easily hurt. In emotional contexts, tenderness refers to kindness, care, or affection towards someone. The word can also be used in formal settings, such as business or government, where “tender” describes an official offer, typically made in a competitive bidding process.
Example Sentences:
- “The chef served a tender steak, cooked to perfection.”
- “She gave him a tender embrace, assuring him that everything would be okay.”
- “His voice had a tender quality when he spoke of his childhood.”
- “The company submitted a tender for the supply of office equipment.”
Synonyms with Explanation:
- Soft – Refers to something that is smooth, not harsh, or easy to compress, similar to tender in physical contexts.
- Gentle – Describes a caring or mild attitude, closely related to tender when referring to emotional kindness.
- Kind – Expressing warmth or consideration, like tender, especially in an emotional sense.
- Sensitive – Refers to an emotional or physical state where something is easily affected, much like being tender.
- Delicate – Used to describe something fragile or easily harmed, either physically or emotionally, similar to tender.
Related Words:
- Compassionate – A person who shows kindness and empathy, often described as tender-hearted.
- Affectionate – Displaying warmth and tenderness in relationships.
- Fragile – Easily broken or damaged, often used to describe something physically tender or emotionally vulnerable.
More Matches for the Word “Tender”:
- Tender touch – A gentle and caring physical action, like a soft caress.
- Tender feelings – Emotional sensitivity or compassion towards someone or something.
- Tender offer – A formal, usually business-related offer, especially in the context of a takeover or bidding process.
- Tender age – Referring to young, delicate, or vulnerable years, especially in a child’s life.
Antonyms:
- Tough – The opposite of tender, describing something hard, strong, or durable.
- Rough – A texture or attitude that is harsh or not gentle, contrasting with tender.
- Indifferent – Emotionally detached or uncaring, the opposite of a tender, compassionate approach.
- Harsh – Refers to something severe or unkind, opposite of tender’s gentle or soft nature.
