TEN-dur-nuhs
/ˈtɛndɚnəs/
tenderness is pronounced TEN-dur-nuhs (/ˈtɛndɚnəs/). Tenderness refers to a quality of gentleness and compassion, or the degree of physical softness or sensitivity of something. It conveys warmth and kindness in behavior or, in a material sense, a delicate texture. The term can describe emotional states or tactile properties, and shifts in emphasis can highlight benevolent intent or physical pliability.
Tenderness refers to a quality of gentleness and compassion, or the degree of physical softness or sensitivity of something. It conveys warmth and kindness in behavior or, in a material sense, a delicate texture. The term can describe emotional states or tactile properties, and shifts in emphasis can highlight benevolent intent or physical pliability.
- You may mispronounce by over-articulating the middle syllable, sounding like TEN-der-NESS rather than TEN-der-nəs. - Another pitfall is a too-strong final /s/; keep it light and quick to avoid turnover or hiss. - A third error is misplacing primary stress on -der or -ness; always stress the first syllable TEN-.
"Her tenderness toward animals showed in every careful gesture she made."
"The tenderness of the bread crumb indicated it was baked to perfection."
"His tenderness in handling the fragile vase prevented any chips or cracks."
Tip: pronounce as TEN-der-ness with primary stress on the first syllable. IPA US/UK/AU: /ˈtɛn.dɚ.nəs/ or /ˈtɛn.də.nəs/ in some varieties. Start with a clear /t/ release, then the vowel /ɛ/ as in red, followed by a light /n/ and a reduced vowel in the second syllable; the final /nəs/ rhymes with bus-s. Accent differences are subtle, but you may hear /ɚ/ (US) or /ə/ (UK/AU) in the second syllable. Close your lips lightly for the final schwa and finish with a short /s/. Audio reference: compare with pronunciations on Cambridge or Forvo by searching “tenderness.”
Common errors: (1) Not stressing the first syllable, misplacing stress on -der or -ness. (2) Slurring the middle vowel into a full /ɜː/ or /ɪ/ rather than a quick /ɚ/ or /ə/. (3) Ending with a strong /s/ instead of a softer /s/ after a reduced vowel. Corrections: emphasize /ˈtɛn/ first, keep /dɚ/ or /də/ short and unstressed, then finish with /nəs/; practice a quick, light /ɚ/ or /ə/ for the second syllable and a crisp but not overly forceful final /s/.
In US English, note rhotic /ɹ/ in /dɚ/ and a more pronounced /ɚ/; UK often uses a shorter /ə/ in the second syllable, with non-rhotic tendency, blending /ˈtɛn.də.nəs/. Australian tends to be similar to UK but may have a more centralized /ə/ and slightly broader vowel quality. Across these, the first syllable remains stressed; the middle vowel shifts from /ɚ/ to a schwa-like /ə/ and the final /nəs/ stays. Use IPA references to compare: US /ˈtɛn.dɚ.nəs/, UK /ˈtɛn.də.nəs/, AU /ˈtɛn.də.nəs/.
It challenges you with vowel reduction in the second syllable and a subtle rhotic or non-rhotic vowel depending on region. The transition from /tɛn/ to a quick /dɚ/ or /də/ can be tricky if you over-articulate the middle vowel, making it sound like /dɜr/ or /dəɹ/. The final /nəs/ requires a brief, quiet vowel and rapid consonant cluster finish. Practicing the sequence with careful timing helps achieve natural rhythm across dialects.
Generally not in standard American, British, or Australian pronunciations for this word; the usual middle is a reduced /ɚ/ or /ə/. However, in careful or exaggerated speech, you might hear a clearer /dɜː/ if you intend emphasis on the root “tender” as a separate word. For natural speech, aim for a short, unstressed /dɚ/ or /də/ and keep it non-emphatic.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "tenderness"!
- US: keep rhotic /ɹ/ and a clear /ɚ/ in the second syllable; /ˈtɛn.dɚ.nəs/. - UK: non-rhotic tendency, middle vowel more like /ə/; /ˈtɛn.də.nəs/. - AU: similar to UK but with slightly broader vowels and flatter intonation; /ˈtɛn.də.nəs/. Reference IPA for all: US /ˈtɛn.dɚ.nəs/, UK /ˈtɛn.də.nəs/, AU /ˈtɛn.də.nəs/; focus on reducing the middle vowel to a quick schwa and finishing with a light /s/.
Tenderness comes from the noun tender, meaning soft or delicate, which itself derives from Old English tendor or tindre, related to tenderness as early as the 13th century in English usage. The sense evolved from physical softness or pliability to more abstract emotional connotations of gentleness and mercy. The suffix -ness marks a state or quality, forming the abstract noun tenderness around late Old English and Middle English periods. Related family terms include tender (adj) and tenderly (adv), with meanings shifting through Germanic roots and Latin influences in later borrowings. First known uses appear in medieval texts describing both tangible softness (woven fabrics, food textures) and intangible kindness, with refined sense growing during early modern English as discussions of humane behavior gained prominence.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "tenderness" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "tenderness" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "tenderness" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "tenderness"
-ess sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
