tender
B2Formal for noun (offer/vehicle) and verb meanings; neutral for adjective meanings.
Definition
Meaning
1. (adj.) soft, gentle, or easily damaged; 2. (adj.) showing care, kindness, or sympathy; 3. (v.) to offer formally; 4. (n.) a formal offer to supply goods or do work at a stated price; 5. (n.) a vehicle or boat that supplies a larger one.
In legal/contractual contexts, 'tender' refers to an unconditional offer of payment or performance to discharge a debt. In finance, it can mean an invitation for shareholders to sell their stock. In medicine, it describes a body part sensitive to touch.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The adjective and verb/noun forms are etymologically distinct (Latin 'tener' vs. Old French 'tendre'), leading to polysemy. Context is crucial for disambiguation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The noun meaning 'a vehicle that supplies a larger one' (e.g., locomotive tender) is more common in UK historical/technical contexts. The verb/noun meaning 'formal offer' is equally used in both business/legal registers.
Connotations
UK usage may slightly favour the adjective in literary/emotional contexts ('tender feelings'). US business English uses 'bid' interchangeably with 'tender' (n.) more frequently.
Frequency
The adjective is high-frequency in both. The contractual/business noun/verb is medium-frequency, formal register.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
tender sth (to sb)tender for sthtender as sthbe tender to the touchbe tender with sbVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “tender loving care (TLC)”
- “at a tender age”
- “leave to someone's tender mercies (ironic)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The company will tender for the government construction contract.
Academic
The researcher advised tender handling of the historical manuscripts.
Everyday
The steak was perfectly cooked and very tender.
Technical
The auxiliary vessel served as a fuel tender for the flagship.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The minister was forced to tender his resignation.
- Firms must tender for the rail franchise by Friday.
American English
- She tendered her apology in writing.
- The company decided to tender its shares in the buyback offer.
adverb
British English
- He held the injured bird tenderly.
- She smiled tenderly at the photograph.
American English
- The nurse washed the wound tenderly.
- He spoke tenderly of his late wife.
adjective
British English
- The baby's skin is incredibly tender.
- He spoke in a tender voice about his childhood.
American English
- Cook the vegetables until they are tender.
- The movie depicted their tender relationship beautifully.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The chicken is very tender and easy to eat.
- Be tender with the little kitten.
- The government invited tenders for the new road.
- She has a tender heart and always helps others.
- After the mistake, he was quick to tender a formal apology.
- The meat should be slow-cooked to become fall-off-the-bone tender.
- Several conglomerates are expected to tender for the privatisation of the utility company.
- The poem is a tender evocation of lost youth.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TENDER chef who offers (tenders) a TENDER steak with care.
Conceptual Metaphor
AFFECTION IS SOFTNESS (tender feelings), COMMERCIAL OFFERING IS PRESENTING (to tender a bid).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- False friend: 'тендер' (tender/bid) is correct, but 'tender' (adj.) is 'нежный' or 'мягкий', not 'тендерный'.
- Confusing 'tender' (offer) with 'bid' – they are synonyms in business, but 'bid' is more common in everyday US English.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'tender' as a noun for 'a tender person' (incorrect; it's 'a tender-hearted person').
- Misspelling as 'tendor'.
- Incorrect preposition: 'He tendered his resignation to the board' (correct), not 'He tendered for his resignation'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'tender' NOT typically mean 'soft or gentle'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the meaning. The adjective ('soft, caring') is neutral. The noun/verb meanings related to formal offers are business/legal register and are formal.
In business, they are often synonyms for a priced offer. 'Tender' (n.) is often used for larger, official, especially public sector contracts. 'Bid' is more general and common in everyday US English.
Yes, but usually as an adjective ('a tender parent', 'tender-hearted'). It's not standard to use the noun 'a tender' to mean a person.
It requires a direct object or is used with 'for'. E.g., 'tender one's resignation/apology' or 'tender for a contract'. It implies a formal act of offering.