noun
1. a tendency to express warm and affectionate feeling (Freq. 3)
• Derivationally related forms: ↑tender
• Hypernyms: ↑affectionateness, ↑fondness, ↑lovingness, ↑warmth
2. a feeling of concern for the welfare of someone (especially someone defenseless)
• Syn: ↑softheartedness
• Derivationally related forms: ↑tender, ↑softhearted (for: ↑softheartedness)
• Hypernyms: ↑concern
3. a pain that is felt (as when the area is touched)
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the best results are generally obtained by inserting the needle into the point of maximum tenderness
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after taking a cold, rawness of the larynx and trachea come on
• Hyponyms: ↑chafing, ↑rebound tenderness, ↑chafe
4. warm compassionate feelings
• Syn: ↑tenderheartedness
• Derivationally related forms: ↑tenderhearted (for: ↑tenderheartedness), ↑tender
• Hypernyms: ↑compassion, ↑compassionateness
5. a positive feeling of liking
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he had trouble expressing the affection he felt
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the child won everyone's heart
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the warmness of his welcome made us feel right at home
• Syn:
• Derivationally related forms: ↑warmhearted (for: ↑warmheartedness), ↑warm (for: ↑warmness), ↑hearty (for: ↑heart), ↑tender, ↑fond (for: ↑fondness), ↑affectionate (for: ↑affectionateness)
• Hypernyms: ↑feeling
• Hyponyms: ↑attachment, ↑fond regard, ↑protectiveness, ↑regard, ↑respect, ↑soft spot
Useful english dictionary. 2012.