tenderness

USAGE SUMMARY

"tenderness" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe an emotion or quality of feeling, especially something gentle and caring. For example, "He held her with a tenderness that belied his tough exterior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Later, when she sent me the bill for her lingerie, which she claimed had ripped when she fell from the chair, I began feeling "pity, sympathy, tenderness, or sorrow" for myself, especially when my wife found the Visa bill and was like, "Who the hell is Edna Sapperton?" Why is pathos useful?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In his plays and short stories he excavated the human condition with more tenderness and honesty than anybody else I've read.

The Guardian

"The one thing I'd want to take from his music, if I were able to drink it consciously into my own, is the tenderness and vulnerability.

The Guardian - Music

We've done this not because we think it is a more accurate representation of the original Russian language, but because we are inspired by the play to make a night in the theatre that evokes the same sense of loss and tenderness and fear that reading Chekhov evokes in us.

The Guardian

There's a lot of animal about him: sex, anger, tenderness.

The Guardian - Film

So, obviously, I was experiencing "pity, sympathy, tenderness, or sorrow" for her.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Gogol, in The Overcoat, makes us feel "pity, sympathy, tenderness, and sorrow" for his hero, Akakii Akakievich.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Theory Of Funny: Pathos This week, let's discuss pathos, which my online dictionary defines as "arousing feelings of pity, sympathy, tenderness, or sorrow", and then there's a pop-up offering a free-trial phone sex call with someone who can reduce my mortgage payment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We owe you a debt of thanks," he said with authority, sincerity and tenderness.

The Guardian - Film

Do we feel "pity, sympathy, tenderness, or sorrow" for Hitler?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It came from a line of African-American music that's gentler, but just as crucial – from the tenderness of doo-wop, and from gospel, to which so many things return.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tenderness" to describe emotional or physical sensitivity with care and precision to convey the intended nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "tenderness" in highly technical or formal writing where more specific terms like 'sensitivity' or 'pain' might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "tenderness" is as a noun. It typically functions as a subject or object within a sentence, denoting a quality, feeling, or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academic

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tenderness" functions primarily as a noun describing emotional or physical sensitivity. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and very commonly used, with examples found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While it maintains a neutral register, "tenderness" is best used with care to ensure clarity in both emotional and physical contexts, as well as to ensure appropriateness for technical writing. Related phrases include "affection", "compassion", and "gentleness", each offering slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

affection

Refers to a feeling of fondness or liking, similar to tenderness but can be broader in scope.

compassion

Emphasizes the sympathetic concern for the suffering of others, highlighting the caring aspect of tenderness.

warmth

Focuses on the emotional heat and comfort associated with affection, capturing the gentle and inviting aspect of tenderness.

gentleness

Highlights the mild and kind nature of tenderness, emphasizing its non-aggressive and soothing qualities.

sensitivity

Emphasizes the awareness and responsiveness to emotions or physical stimuli, sharing the receptive quality of tenderness.

fondness

Describes a feeling of affection or liking, closely related to the emotional aspect of tenderness.

loving care

Explicitly combines affection and attention, stressing the active and nurturing aspect of tenderness.

benevolence

Emphasizes the intention or desire to do good to others, reflecting the generous and caring side of tenderness.

rawness

Describes physical tenderness, especially in the context of pain or soreness.

soreness

Specifically refers to the physical discomfort or pain, particularly when touched, relating to the physical aspect of tenderness.

FAQs

How to use "tenderness" in a sentence?

You can use "tenderness" to describe a quality of gentleness and care in someone's actions or feelings. For example, "He held her hand with unexpected tenderness."

What can I say instead of "tenderness"?

You can use alternatives like "affection", "compassion", or "gentleness" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "tenderness" or "tenderity"?

"Tenderness" is the correct and established noun. "Tenderity" is not a recognized word in standard English.

What's the difference between "tenderness" and "sensitivity"?

"Tenderness" often implies a gentle and caring emotion or a physical soreness. "Sensitivity", on the other hand, generally refers to the capacity to feel or perceive, which can be emotional or physical.