Word: tender (adjective)

Associations

The word "tender" has a few meanings, but commonly it refers to something that is soft, delicate, or gentle.

• Example 1: "The meat was so tender, it fell apart with a fork." This shows how the meat is soft and easy to eat.
• Example 2: "She gave him a tender hug." Here, "tender" describes a gentle and affectionate embrace.
• Example 3: "The tender flower swayed in the breeze." This example illustrates how the flower is soft and delicate.

A well-known synonym for "tender" is "soft." However, "tender" can imply a sense of care or emotional softness that "soft" does not always convey.

Substitution

If you want to use different words, you could consider:

• "soft" (less emotional)
• "gentle" (more focused on care)
• "delicate" (can refer to fragility)

Using "soft" instead of "tender" might not carry the emotional weight needed in some contexts, while "delicate" may suggest fragility, rather than just softness.

Deconstruction

The word "tender" comes from the Latin root "tendere," which means "to stretch." It can also imply something that requires care or attention. There is no prefix or suffix in "tender." Historically, it has been used to describe both physical qualities (like softness) and emotional states (like kindness).

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you experienced something tender? What was it, and how did it make you feel?
• How might the meaning change if you used "soft" instead of "tender" in a particular sentence?
• In what contexts do you feel that tenderness is important?