Tender
/ˈtɛndər/noun
Soft or delicate in texture or quality.
Did you know?In the Middle Ages, 'tender' was often associated with offering or sacrifice, revealing a hidden layer of vulnerability and devotion.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ten-
“to stretch; to extend, to reach out.”
Latin
Latin
tendere
“to stretch or to extend.”
Old French
Old French
tendre
“to hold out; to offer.”
Middle English
Middle English
tendre
“soft, delicate, or yielding.”
Modern English
English
tender
“soft in texture or quality; gentle.”