C1adjective2K

UK/["/ˈtendə(r)/"]/US/["/ˈtendər/"]/

Meaning of Tender

kind, gentle and loving

In simple words: Soft or easy to cut or chew.

Tender in a sentence

  • She gave a tender smile that showed her genuine care.
  • The steak was cooked perfectly and was very tender.
  • He wrote a tender letter expressing his deepest feelings.
  • After the injury, his arm felt sore and tender to touch.
  • They shared a tender moment during the farewell.
  • The government issued a tender for the new construction project.

How to use Tender

Used to describe food that is not tough, such as tender meat or vegetables. Can also refer to feelings of gentleness or care. Avoid in very formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'tender' as similar to 'tend my garden' — soft and caring.

Related words

Collocations with Tender

Synonyms for Tender

Opposites of Tender

Common mistakes with Tender

  • Confused with 'tender' meaning sensitive and 'tender' meaning soft.
  • Using 'tender' to describe something unrelatable like a hard object.
  • Mixing up 'tender' with similar-sounding words.

Compare Tender with Sore, Delicate

Tender appears in

Tender in other languages

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Frequently asked questions about Tender

What does Tender mean?

Soft or easy to cut or chew.

What is the definition of Tender?

kind, gentle and loving

How do you use Tender in a sentence?

She gave a tender smile that showed her genuine care.

Can you give another example of Tender?

The steak was cooked perfectly and was very tender.

What are synonyms for Tender?

Common alternatives include sore, delicate.

What is the opposite of Tender?

Opposite meanings include tough, hard, stiff.

What words go with Tender?

It commonly pairs with be, feel, seem, achingly, very, almost, towards/​toward, be, seem, become, beautifully, deliciously, exceptionally, be, feel, look, extremely, fairly, very.

What are common mistakes when using Tender?

Confused with 'tender' meaning sensitive and 'tender' meaning soft. Using 'tender' to describe something unrelatable like a hard object. Mixing up 'tender' with similar-sounding words.

How do you pronounce Tender?

US: /["/ˈtendər/"]/, UK: /["/ˈtendə(r)/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Tender?

Used to describe food that is not tough, such as tender meat or vegetables. Can also refer to feelings of gentleness or care. Avoid in very formal contexts.

What CEFR level is Tender?

"Tender" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.