Tender Meaning
Tender Definition & Usage
Describing something that is soft, delicate, or easily injured or damaged.
Examples
- "She touched the tender leaves of the plant, careful not to break them."
- "The meat was so tender that it practically melted in my mouth."
- "His hands were tender from the hard work he'd been doing all day."
- "After the surgery, his shoulder was still tender to the touch."
- "Be careful with that antique vase—it’s very tender and could crack easily."
Describing someone who is compassionate, gentle, or sensitive in their emotional responses.
Examples
- "She gave a tender smile when she saw the newborn baby."
- "His tender words of encouragement helped me through a tough time."
- "The mother’s tender embrace was all that the child needed to feel safe."
- "He had a tender heart and always helped those in need."
- "They exchanged tender glances, filled with love and understanding."
A formal offer or bid, typically in the context of contracts or procurement.
Examples
- "The company submitted a tender for the new construction project."
- "We are currently reviewing several tenders for the supply of office furniture."
- "The government issued a tender for the renovation of the public library."
- "He was awarded the tender to build the new bridge in the city."
- "All tenders must be received by the end of the month to be considered."
Cultural Context
'Tender' is a versatile word with both physical and emotional connotations. While it is often associated with softness or delicacy, it can also refer to a person’s emotional disposition. The word is widely used in both everyday conversation and more formal contexts like business and legal discussions, particularly when referring to contract submissions.
The Tender Moments of Change
Story
The Tender Moments of Change
In a small coastal town, Emma stood on the edge of the cliff, feeling the tender breeze against her face as she looked out at the vast, endless ocean. It was the same view she'd had since childhood, but today it felt different, filled with promise and change. Her hands, tender from hours of work in the garden, instinctively wiped away a tear. She'd spent so much time caring for the plants that now adorned the family's land, and each one felt like a little piece of her heart. Yet, despite her love for the garden, Emma knew she couldn’t stay forever. She had to leave for the city, a decision that felt both thrilling and heartbreaking. Later that evening, Emma and her grandmother, Lily, sat in the cozy living room, sipping tea. Lily’s voice was soft and tender as she spoke about her own life choices. 'When I was your age, I had to make hard decisions too. Sometimes, you have to let go of what’s tender in your heart to move forward,' she said, her eyes filled with a deep understanding. Emma thought about her grandmother’s words as she packed her belongings. She could feel the tender weight of every item, every memory she was about to leave behind. Yet, she knew she would carry the tenderness of her home with her, wherever she went. The next morning, Emma stood at the train station, one last time, before boarding the train. She sent a tender glance at the garden, where the morning light bathed the flowers in a soft glow. It was a goodbye full of love and sadness. She was ready to embrace the future, but she would always carry the tenderness of home in her heart, like a gentle, enduring touch that would never fade.
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