tenderness meaning and definition

TENDERNESS noun

Definition of tenderness (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"; "after taking a cold, rawness of the larynx and trachea come on"
   • synonyms: rawness, soreness
3. warm compassionate feelings
   • synonyms: tenderheartedness
4. a positive feeling of liking
   • "he had trouble expressing the affection he felt"; "the child won everyone's heart"; "the warmness of his welcome made us feel right at home"
   • synonyms: affection, affectionateness, fondness, heart, philia, warmheartedness, warmness
5. a feeling of concern for the welfare of someone (especially someone defenseless)
   • synonyms: softheartedness