tenderness
|ten/der/ness|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈtɛndərnəs/
🇬🇧
/ˈtɛndənəs/
(tender)
gentle kindness
Etymology
Etymology Information
'tenderness' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'tendernesse', where 'tender' meant 'soft or delicate'.
Historical Evolution
'tendernesse' transformed into the modern English word 'tenderness'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'softness or delicacy', but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'gentle quality' and 'sensitivity to pain'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a gentle and kind quality or feeling.
Her tenderness towards the children was evident.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
a sensitivity to pain or touch.
The doctor checked for tenderness in the patient's abdomen.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41