tenderly
adv. manner B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈtɛndɝɫi// UK //tˈɛndəli// ten·der·ly
adv. in a gentle and caring way. You use this to describe how someone touches, holds, or speaks to someone else with love and care.
adv. in a gentle, affectionate, or careful manner. Often describes physical contact or speech intended to show care and concern.
She held the baby's hand tenderly.
The nurse treated the patient's wound tenderly to avoid causing any further pain or discomfort.
The old man spoke tenderly of his childhood, recounting stories with a softness that suggested a deep, enduring connection to the past.
From tender + -ly.