French word

tendresse

Pronunciation

IPA/tɑ̃dʁɛs/

Meaning

  • feminine nounaffection

Example

Il a de la tendresse pour sa grand-mère.

He has affection for his grandmother.

Illustration for tendresse (affection)

More examples

Il parle à son enfant avec tendresse.

He speaks to his child with tenderness.

Core concept

A warm, gentle feeling that makes someone seem worth caring for and protecting.

Common phrases

  • montrer de la tendresse

    show tenderness

  • manquer de tendresse

    lack tenderness

  • faire preuve de tendresse

    show tenderness

Similar words

affection: Warm regard rooted in familiarity and goodwill.
amour: Powerful love, including intense romantic feeling.
attachement: A deep emotional connection to a person or place.
amitié: The closeness and trust shared between friends.

Definition in French

Sentiment d'affection douce et protectrice envers une personne, un animal ou une chose proche.

Word origin

Tendresse derives from tendre, from Latin tener meaning 'soft', with the suffix -esse forming an abstract noun.

Usage tips

  • Tendresse is feminine and commonly appears in avoir de la tendresse pour someone or something, including family members, animals, and cherished objects.

Other meanings

  • tendernessnoun
  • fondnessnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word