Tenderize: meaning, definitions and examples

Mainly used in cooking when you want to make meat softer and easier to chew, often by using a tenderizing tool or marinating.

• She used a mallet to tenderize the steak before grilling it

Refers to making something less hard or less severe. It can be used in various situations such as cooking, emotional situations, or physical contexts.

• He let the butter sit out to soften before baking
• | Her kind words helped to soften his anger

Usually indicates a more forceful action, which can be used in cooking (like beating meat or eggs) or in other contexts like beating a drum or beating someone in a game. Has a somewhat harsh connotation when not used in cooking.

• He had to beat the eggs for the cake
• | They beat their opponents in the final match

Refers to rubbing or kneading muscles and joints for relaxation or therapy. Can occasionally be used metaphorically or for cooking to indicate a gentle action, like rubbing spices into meat.

• She went to a spa to get a relaxing massage
• | Massage the marinade into the chicken for better flavor

Used mainly in cooking to describe the process of making meat softer and easier to eat.

• Marinate the chicken overnight to tenderize it.
• Using a meat mallet can help tenderize tougher cuts of beef.

Means to relieve pain, discomfort, or distress; generally has a gentle connotation.

• A warm bath can soothe sore muscles.
• She sang a lullaby to soothe the baby.

Describes the act of helping someone feel less anxious, nervous, or scared.

• He tried to calm the child after she had a nightmare.
• Meditation can help calm your mind.

Refers to the act of soothing someone's anger or anxiety. Often used in more formal or literary contexts.

• The manager tried to mollify the customer by offering a refund.
• Her kind words mollified his temper.