- ten´der|a|ble
- ten|der1 «TEHN duhr», adjective, verb, noun.–adj.2. a) not strong and hardy; delicate: »
tender young grass. The leaves in spring are green and tender.
SYNONYM(S): weak. b) soft; subdued: »a tender blue.
SYNONYM(S): delicate.3. kind; affectionate; loving: »The mother spoke tender words to her baby. She sent tender messages to her friends.
SYNONYM(S): compassionate, merciful.4. not rough or crude; gentle: »He patted the dog with tender hands. The young plants need tender care.
SYNONYM(S): mild, sympathetic.7. a) feeling pain or grief easily: »She has a tender heart and would never hurt anyone.
b) Figurative. sensitive to insult or injury; ready to take offense: »a man of tender pride.
8. considerate or careful: »He handles people in a tender manner.
9. Figurative. requiring careful or tactful handling: »a tender situation. Automobiles are a tender subject with Dad since he wrecked his.
10. = crank2. (Cf. ↑crank)–v.t. Archaic.1. to make tender.2. to weaken.3. to feel or act tenderly toward.–v.i.Obsolete. to become tender.–n.–ten´der|a|ble, adjective.–ten´der|ly, adverb.ten|der2 «TEHN duhr», verb, noun.–v.t.1. to offer formally: »to tender one's resignation. He tendered his thanks.
SYNONYM(S): proffer, present. See syn. under offer. (Cf. ↑offer)2. Law. to offer (as money or goods) in payment of a debt or her obligation.–n.2. the thing offered. Money that must be accepted as payment for a debt is called legal tender.3. Law. an offer of, as of money or goods, to satisfy a debt or liability.4. Commerce. a bid to supply or purchase: »All tenders must be enclosed in sealed envelopes (Cape Times).
╂[< Middle French tendre to offer < Latin tendere extend. See etym. of doublet tend1. (Cf. ↑tend)]–ten´der|er, noun.tend|er3 «TEHN duhr», noun.1. a person or thing that tends another: »a machine tender. He did not like his job as baby tender.
2. a) a boat or small ship used for carrying supplies and passengers to and from larger ships. b) a small boat carried on or towed behind a larger boat or a ship for similar use.3. the small car that carries wood, coal and water, or oil, attached behind a locomotive.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.