Tender

Definition

"Tender" is a versatile term that can describe something soft or gentle to the touch, sensitive to pain, or showing gentleness, kindness, and affection. It also refers to the offer of money in payment or an offer to carry out work, supply goods, or buy land, shares, or another asset at a stated fixed price.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtɛndər/
• Respelling: TEN-der (with "TEN" as in "ten" and "der" as in "her")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtɛndə/
• Respelling: TEN-duh (similar to American English, with "TEN" as in "ten" and "duh" as a softer version of "der")

In both dialects, "tender" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "TEN." The difference lies in the pronunciation of the final syllable: in American English, it's "der," sounding like "her," while in British English, it's pronounced as "duh," which is a softer and less pronounced version.

Etymology

The term "tender" comes from the Old French "tendre," meaning soft or delicate, which in turn derives from the Latin "tenerem," meaning soft, delicate, or young.

Derivatives

1. Tenderly (adverb)
2. Tenderness (noun)
3. Untendered (adjective, for bids not submitted)
4. Tenderable (adjective, capable of being tendered)
5. Tenderer (noun, one who tenders)

Synonyms

1. Gentle
2. Soft
3. Delicate

Antonyms

1. Hard
2. Harsh
3. Tough

Usage

• As an adjective: "The meat was very tender and flavorful."
• As a noun: "They won the project with their competitive tender."
• As a verb: "She tendered her resignation yesterday."

Related Terms

• Tenderhearted: Having a soft or gentle nature.
• Legal tender: Money that must be accepted if offered in payment of a debt.
• Tender offer: An offer to purchase some or all of shareholders' shares in a corporation.

Detailed Definition

As an Adjective

• (Of food or other material) Soft or delicate in texture, easy to cut or chew: "The tender vegetables were steamed to perfection."
• Showing gentleness, kindness, and affection: "He gave her a tender look that spoke volumes."
• (Of a part of the body) Sensitive to pain: "The bruise on her arm was very tender."

As a Noun

• An offer to carry out work, supply goods, or buy land, shares, or another asset at a stated fixed price: "The company issued a tender for the construction work."
• A formal offer to be legally binding, especially a bid to buy financial securities: "The tender for the new government bonds was oversubscribed."

As a Verb

• To offer formally: "He tendered his resignation after the scandal."
• To offer money as payment: "She tendered the exact amount for the groceries."