B2adverbemotionsrelationships
US/ˈten.dər.li/
UK/ˈten.də.li/
in a gentle and loving way
In context
She tenderly wrapped the baby in a soft blanket.
He tenderly kissed his grandmother on the forehead.
The nurse tenderly washed the old man's hands.
Words that go with tenderly
verb + adverb
- smile tenderlyShe smiled tenderly at her sleeping son.
- touch tenderlyHe touched her cheek tenderly.
- look tenderlyThe old man looked tenderly at his wife.
- speak tenderlyHe spoke tenderly to the frightened child.
adverb + verb
- tenderly holdHe tenderly held the injured bird in his hands.
- tenderly care forShe tenderly cared for her sick mother for years.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
She looked at him tender.Correct: She looked at him tenderly.