tender

/ˈtɛndər/
adjective
  1. Soft and easy to cut or chew, especially of food.
    • She cooked the vegetables until they were tender.
    • This chicken is incredibly tender and juicy.
    • The steak was so tender it melted in my mouth.
  2. Gentle, kind, and caring, especially in a loving way.
    • He gave her a tender kiss on the forehead.
    • The mother spoke to her child in a tender voice.
    • Their tender embrace showed how much they cared for each other.
  3. Sore or painful when touched.
    • Her muscles felt tender after the long workout.
    • The bruise is tender to the touch.
    • My shoulder is still tender after the fall.
  4. Young and vulnerable; not yet strong or mature.
    • The tender seedlings need protection from the wind.
    • He left home at the tender age of sixteen.
    • The plant's tender shoots were eaten by rabbits.
noun
  1. A formal offer to do a job or provide goods at a stated price; a bid.
    • We need to prepare a tender for the cleaning contract.
    • Several contractors submitted tenders for the new building.
    • The government accepted the lowest tender.
  2. A vehicle used for carrying supplies or passengers, especially a small boat that serves a larger ship.
    • The crew loaded supplies onto the tender.
    • The ship's tender ferried passengers to the shore.
    • A fuel tender arrived to refuel the aircraft.
  3. Money that is accepted as payment; legal currency.
    • The store only accepts U.S. tender.
    • Coins and bills are both legal tender.
    • The old coins are no longer considered legal tender.
Synonyms
verb
  1. To formally offer or present something, such as money, a resignation, or a bid.
    • The company tendered a bid for the construction project.
    • She tendered her resignation to the manager.
    • He tendered an apology for his mistake.
Synonyms
Antonyms
What does "tender" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean