tender-hearted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tender-hearted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is compassionate, sensitive, or easily moved by the feelings of others. Example: "She has always been a tender-hearted person, often moved to tears by stories of hardship and struggle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Court's titterings at tender-hearted underlings are repugnant.

The Guardian

"L.L.: Oh, no, G.B.S. She's a very tender-hearted girl.

The New York Times

Johnson says he is as "tender-hearted as anybody".

The Guardian

They included Brasillach, despite pleas for clemency from the tender-hearted François Mauriac.

The New York Times - Books

But you can never be right if you can't be compassionate, or considerate, or tender-hearted.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Chuck and Buck," while not literally believable, is more tender-hearted.

The New York Times

And what has tender-hearted sex got to do with anal rape?

The Guardian - Books

Brian Reeder's tender-hearted Don Quixote was another of the performance's pleasures.

The New York Times - Arts

Perhaps the Caballeros Templarios in neighbouring Mexico are more tender-hearted and environmentally aware?

The Guardian - Opinion

One advantage is that girls can be quite tender-hearted towards the drunks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As Lewis, Mark H. Dold is a tender-hearted convert, one who is zealous without being overbearing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tender-hearted" when you want to emphasize a person's gentle and empathetic nature, particularly their responsiveness to others' emotions. It suggests a deep well of compassion.

Common error

Avoid using "tender-hearted" in contexts where a more nuanced or sophisticated term might be appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly sentimental or saccharine.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tender-hearted" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying a noun to describe someone who is compassionate and empathetic. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Books

21%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Opinion

5%

Lifestyle

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tender-hearted" is a commonly used adjective to describe someone with a compassionate and empathetic nature. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, especially news and media. While synonyms like "compassionate" or "kind-hearted" exist, "tender-hearted" emphasizes a deep emotional connection and responsiveness. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context to avoid sounding overly sentimental. Remember, as Ludwig's examples show, "tender-hearted" often implies a genuine and admirable quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compassionate

Single word alternative. Reduces the emphasis from "heart" to general compassion.

kind-hearted

Similar structure but uses "kind" instead of "tender".

soft-hearted

Emphasizes gentleness and lack of emotional resilience.

sensitive

Focuses on emotional awareness and receptiveness.

sympathetic

Highlights understanding and sharing the feelings of others.

benevolent

Implies a desire or active expression of good will toward others.

merciful

Focuses on willingness to forgive or show compassion instead of punishing.

having a gentle nature

Describes overall personality rather than specific instances of compassion.

filled with compassion

Emphasizes abundance of compassion

easily moved to compassion

Highlights how easily the individual experiences compassion.

FAQs

How can I use "tender-hearted" in a sentence?

You can use "tender-hearted" to describe someone who is compassionate and easily moved by the feelings of others. For example, "She is a "tender-hearted" woman who volunteers at the local animal shelter."

What are some synonyms for "tender-hearted"?

Some synonyms for "tender-hearted" include "compassionate", "kind-hearted", and "soft-hearted".

Is it okay to use "tender-hearted" in formal writing?

Yes, "tender-hearted" is acceptable in formal writing, but consider whether a more precise term like ""compassionate"" or "benevolent" might be more appropriate depending on the context.

What's the difference between "tender-hearted" and "soft-hearted"?

"Tender-hearted" implies a gentle and empathetic nature, while "soft-hearted" often suggests being easily swayed or vulnerable. While similar, "tender-hearted" emphasizes genuine compassion more than potential weakness.