adjective
tender
TEN-der/ˈtendər/
Soft and easily affected by pressure.
She supports the kitten's tender body with a gentle touch.
Etymology
Latin tener joins softness and delicacy with youth. That cluster connects physical vulnerability—being easily hurt—with emotional sensitivity and the gentle, affectionate meaning of tender.
In context
Boil the broccoli for 4 to 5 minutes or until it's tender enough to easily pierce with a knife.
More examples
- Handle the peaches gently because their tender flesh bruises easily.
- My ankle is still tender when I press it.
- Cook the carrots until they are tender.
Forms
tender · tenderer · tenderest
tenderness noun — The quality of being soft or sensitive.
tenderize verb — To make meat softer and easier to chew.