tender

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'tender' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective meaning "gentle; soft; having a feeling of tenderness; delicate; fragile; or kind and sympathetic." For example, you could use the sentence "He held her with a tender embrace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Business

Travel

Film

Opinion

Arts

Books

Education

Politics

Society

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Obeid was accused of failing to disclose a family interest in the cafes while lobbying to have the leases renewed without a tender process taking place, to the financial benefit of his family.

The Guardian

Boil new potatoes or Jersey Royals (halve or quarter any big'uns) until tender.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Any company could start a law business and tender for the local franchise for legal aid, to be provided by lawyers whose caseload will be so great, and whose pay so small, that doing what is right for the individual client is impossible, and justice becomes a conveyor belt from arrest to prison.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is a profound, complex letter, as brutal as it is tender, as Catholic as it is reformed, as conservative as it is radical.

The Guardian - Opinion

Macdonald faces prosecution over granting a coal mining exploration licence in the Hunter valley to Doyles Creek Mining, a company owned by former mining union official John Maitland, without putting out a tender.

The Guardian

Now, at the tender age of 72, he is preparing to add a new string to his bow.

The Guardian - Film

The government wanted to increase the $250,000 to $300,000 annual rent and to put the leases out to public tender when they expired in August 2005.

The Guardian

Allan was a bully at school, and his first appearance in court was at the tender age of 15 for knifing a workmate.

The Guardian

When your bacon joint is tender, remove from the heat and flake off the meat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You can sit in the courtyard around a brazier and eat llama a la pobre – fatty, tender llama meat on the bone, served with chips, fried eggs and onions.

The Guardian - Travel

If the network operator decides SBR is necessary this winter, it will launch a competitive tender for a specific amount of spare capacity.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or business contexts, use "tender" precisely when referring to a formal offer or bid.

Common error

Avoid misspelling "tender" as "tendon," especially in culinary or descriptive contexts. "Tender" describes a quality of softness or gentleness, while "tendon" refers to a tough band of fibrous tissue connecting muscle to bone.

Linguistic Context

The word "tender" functions primarily as an adjective to describe a quality of softness, gentleness, or sensitivity. It can also function as a noun referring to an offer or a means of payment, or as a verb meaning to offer something. Ludwig provides examples showing the word's versatile use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

15%

Business

10%

Less common in

Travel

8%

Film

7%

Opinion

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "tender" is a versatile term with various applications, ranging from describing something gentle to referring to a formal offer. As highlighted by Ludwig, "tender" can function as an adjective, noun, or verb, each with distinct communicative purposes. Its usage spans diverse contexts, including news, lifestyle, and business, maintaining a generally neutral register. Remember to distinguish "tender" from "tendon" to avoid common errors and leverage its descriptive power effectively. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and usable in written English, making it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gentle

Focuses on the quality of being mild and kind in behavior or effect.

sensitive

Highlights responsiveness to feelings or external stimuli.

delicate

Emphasizes fragility and the need for careful handling.

loving

Emphasizes deep care and affection.

affectionate

Highlights warm feelings and loving expression.

offer

Refers to presenting something for acceptance or rejection.

propose

Indicates suggesting a plan or action.

submit

Implies presenting something formally for consideration.

present

Refers to formally offering something.

bid

Suggests making an offer, especially in a competitive setting.

FAQs

How can I use "tender" in a sentence?

You can use "tender" to describe something soft, gentle, or easily damaged, as in, "The meat was so "tender" it almost melted in my mouth." Or to describe an offer such as "The company put the project out to "tender"."

What can I say instead of "tender"?

You can use alternatives like "gentle", "delicate", "affectionate", or "sensitive" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "tender" or "tendon"?

The correct word depends on the context. "Tender" refers to something soft or an offer, while "tendon" is a cord of tissue connecting muscle to bone. Use "tender" to describe a "tender" moment and "tendon" when referring to the Achilles "tendon".

What's the difference between "tender" and "caring"?

"Tender" implies gentleness and sensitivity, while "caring" suggests concern and a desire to help or protect. A "tender" touch might soothe, while a "caring" friend offers support.