French Conversation · Level 38
75 words
French word
tendre
Pronunciation
IPA/tɑ̃dʁ/
Meaning
- adjectivesoft
Example
Le pain est tendre ce matin.
The bread is soft this morning.
More examples
La viande est tendre ce soir.
The meat is tender tonight.
Core concept
Gentle yielding, found both in a soft object and in a caring attitude.
Common phrases
pain tendre
soft bread
viande tendre
tender meat
sourire tendre
gentle smile
Similar words
doux: Soft and reassuring in words or behavior, rather than severe.
affectueux: Clearly expressing fondness through warm, affectionate behavior.
chaleureux: Friendly and inviting, with a warmth that puts others at ease.
gentil: Thoughtful and pleasant in dealings with other people.
Definition in French
Qui exprime de la douceur ou de l'affection envers quelqu'un; au sens concret, souple ou mou au toucher.
Word origin
Inherited through Old French, tendre continues the Latin root tener and links physical softness with the later sense of tenderness.
Usage tips
- English "tender" overlaps with tendre for softness and affection but also has meanings such as legal tender that French tendre does not have.
Other meanings
- gentleadjective
- hold outverb
Related words
- tendressetendernessnoun
- tendrementtenderlyadverb
- tendutenseadjective