tenderness

/tˈɛndɚnəs/ · 3 syllables

Meaning

noun

1. a tendency to express warm and affectionate feeling
2. a pain that is felt (as when the area is touched)
   “the best results are generally obtained by inserting the needle into the point of maximum tenderness”
3. warm compassionate feelings
4. a positive feeling of liking
   “he had trouble expressing the affection he felt”
5. a feeling of concern for the welfare of someone (especially someone defenseless)

Synonyms for tenderness

• soreness
• rawness
• tenderheartedness
• affection
• affectionateness
• fondness
• heart
• warmness
• warmheartedness
• philia
• softheartedness