# tenderness

/ˈtɛndɝnəs/ (US) · /tˈɛndənəs/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tenderness
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a feeling of pain or soreness when a part of your body is touched. It can also mean a gentle, loving way of acting toward someone.

For teachers: sensitivity to pain or pressure in a specific area of the body; also refers to a quality of gentleness, affection, or kindness. Often used in clinical settings to describe localized physical discomfort.

## Examples

- The doctor checked for any tenderness in my lower back.
- The nurse noted significant tenderness around the surgical site, suggesting that the area was still inflamed.
- While the physical tenderness in his bruised ribs eventually faded, the emotional tenderness he showed his family during his recovery remained a permanent fixture of their household.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable in both its medical and emotional senses; often followed by the preposition 'in' when referring to a body part.

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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.