Definition of "tenderness" in English

noun

1. Quality, state or condition of being tender.

   • He picked her up in his arms with great tenderness.

2. A tendency to express warm, compassionate feelings.

   • When the lovers were together, their cold indifference gave way to love and tenderness.

3. A concern for the feelings or welfare of others.

   • When they saw the poor orphans, they were overwhelmed with tenderness for them.
   • Everybody needs a little tenderness sometimes.

4. (medicine, pathology) A pain or discomfort when an affected area is touched.

   • He noted her extreme tenderness when he touched the bruise on her thigh.