Tenderness: meaning, definitions and examples

Emotional gentleness often associated with love or care. Frequently used in contexts involving intimate relationships or delicate situations.

• She held the baby with great tenderness.
• His tenderness during our conversation made me feel valued.

A feeling of fondness or liking, usually shown through physical or verbal expressions. Commonly used in familial or romantic contexts.

• Their affection for each other was evident in their smiles.
• He showed his affection by giving her a small gift.

A quality of being warm, either physically or emotionally. It often describes a kind, friendly, or heartfelt attitude.

• She felt the warmth of the sun on her face.
• His warmth made everyone feel welcome at the party.

A deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering, often motivating a desire to help. Typically used in contexts involving empathy and care for others in distress.

• Her compassion for the homeless led her to volunteer at a shelter.
• He looked at his friend with compassion after hearing about his loss.

Used to describe gentle, delicate feelings or a mild discomfort in a body part. Often used in medical contexts or to express affection.

• The tenderness in his voice showed how much he cared.
• She felt a slight tenderness in her knee after jogging.

Used to describe a heightened reaction to stimuli, either emotionally or physically. Can be used in both positive and negative situations.

• His sensitivity to criticism made him upset easily.
• The medication caused increased sensitivity to sunlight.

Used to describe a situation or experience that causes a lot of pain. It has a strong negative connotation.

• The painfulness of the surgery recovery was hard to endure.
• The painfulness of losing a loved one can be overwhelming.

Used to describe a feeling of discomfort or pain in muscles or joints, usually after physical activity or minor injury.

• After the long hike, she felt soreness in her legs.
• He experienced soreness in his shoulder after lifting weights.

This word is useful when describing emotions or physical touch characterized by warmth and affection. It often conveys a sense of deep care or love.

• She spoke to him with tenderness, comforting him through his grief.
• The nurse treated the wounded soldier with great tenderness.

This term is best used when referring to behavior that shows calmness, patience, and lack of harshness. It often implies a soothing manner and is frequently used in the context of dealing with people or animals.

• His gentleness made him a favorite among the children.
• She handled the kitten with impressive gentleness.

Kindness is appropriate for describing actions or behaviors that are helpful, considerate, and compassionate. It often implies a desire to do good for others.

• Her kindness to strangers is truly remarkable.
• He showed kindness by helping his elderly neighbor with her groceries.

This word can refer to both physical and emotional qualities, often describing a lack of rigidity or harshness. Emotionally, it can describe a person's forgiving or lenient nature. Physically, it can refer to the texture of objects.

• The softness of the pillow made it difficult to get up in the morning.
• Her personality is marked by an exceptional softness, making her easy to talk to.