# tenderly

/ˈtɛndɝɫi/ (US) · /tˈɛndəli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tenderly
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

in a gentle and caring way. You use this to describe how someone touches, holds, or speaks to someone else with love and care.

For teachers: in a gentle, affectionate, or careful manner. Often describes physical contact or speech intended to show care and concern.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.