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Definition of tenderly

tenderly

/ˈtɛn.dɚ.li/
ten · der · ly
Adjective:tender
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tenderly Lexical Profile

tenderly Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a gentle, caring, and affectionate manner.

Example

"The mother smiled tenderly as she tucked her sleeping child into bed."

2

In a cautious or gingerly manner because of physical soreness, sensitivity, or pain.

Example

"After spraining his ankle during the match, the athlete stepped tenderly onto the grass."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for tenderly

• Nearby Words

tenderize
tenderizer
tenderloin
tenderly
tenderness
tendinitis
tendon

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from 'tender' (borrowed from Old French 'tendre', from Latin 'tener' meaning 'soft, delicate') plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tenderly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tenderly
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