November 20, 2014 – Word of the Day

tender

If something is tender, it’s soft, new, or fresh.

• Fresh spinach is tender.
• The chicken we ate last night was very tender.
• This steak is juicy and tender.
• Jenny’s bruised arm still feels tender.
• Children who are of a tender age don’t need to be exposed to the harsh realities of life.
• Their memories of life in the refugee camp are still tender.

The word "tender" is often used in situations that involve romance:

• Maria has a tender heart that breaks easily.
• Jim still feels a little tender following his divorce.
• Husbands and wives express their love and tenderness towards each other. (The word "tenderness" is a noun.)
• He tenderly kissed her on the head. (The word "tenderly" is an adverb.)

This word can also be used as a verb. In this case, it means to give, but this is a very formal use of the word, and it’s almost always used for resignation from a job or in connection with business deals.

• Peter tendered his resignation. (tender = give)
• Gloria looks forward to tendering her resignation letter.
• The partners have tendered an offer.
• A dollar bill is legal tender. (legal tender = money. The word "tender" in this sentence is a "noun."

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