tenderness
UK: ˈtɛndənəs | US: ˈtɛndərnəs
n. 1. The quality of being gentle, kind, or affectionate.
n. 2. Physical sensitivity or vulnerability to pain.
n. 3. A tender emotion or sentiment.
The word "tenderness" originates from the Middle English "tendre," borrowed from Old French "tendre" (meaning soft or delicate), which itself derives from Latin "tener" (meaning tender or youthful). The suffix "-ness" is of Germanic origin, commonly used to form abstract nouns denoting a state or quality. Together, the morphemes logically combine to describe the state of being gentle or emotionally sensitive—a progression from physical softness to emotional vulnerability.
Her voice was filled with tenderness as she comforted the child.
The tenderness of the bruise made it painful to touch.
He expressed his tenderness through small, thoughtful gestures.
The poem captures the tenderness of first love.
Despite his rough appearance, he had a surprising tenderness toward animals.