tenderly
UK: ˈtendəli | US: ˈtendərli
adv. in a gentle, caring, or affectionate manner
adv. with sensitivity or delicacy
The word "tenderly" combines "tender," derived from Old French tendre (soft, delicate) and Latin tener (soft, youthful), with the adverbial suffix "-ly," which originates from Old English -līce. The suffix "-ly" transforms adjectives into adverbs, indicating manner or quality. Over time, "tender" evolved to describe emotional gentleness, and "-ly" extended this meaning into an adverbial form, capturing the nuance of acting with care or sensitivity.
She held the baby tenderly in her arms.
He spoke tenderly to his grieving friend.
The nurse bandaged the wound tenderly.
They danced tenderly under the moonlight.
The old couple smiled tenderly at each other.