tenderly

[ten-der-lee]

adverb

1. in a soft and gentle way.

   He took time to polish his new leather shoes tenderly with his handkerchief.

   The wind we hated so much while climbing is now tenderly drying the sweat from our brows.

2. in an affectionate, loving, or kindhearted way.

   He looked down tenderly at his baby daughter.

3. sensitively or carefully, as to avoid pain.

   Moving tenderly, she attempted to raise herself from the floor where she had fallen.

Other Word Forms

• untenderly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of tenderly¹

tender ¹ ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

In September of that year, Wonder appeared on “Soul Train” and spoke tenderly about the singer before performing a medley of “Lovin’ You” and “Perfect Angel’s” title track, which he wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

We’re introduced to him not as a thief, but as a doting father who wakes at the crack of dawn, tenderly lays his son in bed next to his sister, and heads off to work.

From Salon

But it’s what the film does with the handsome Kryptonian in the red boots that captures the viewer’s heart and holds it, tenderly, until the credits roll.

From Salon

They tenderly hold Gazala’s hands in a room that “smells like roses and orange peel.”

From Los Angeles Times

The process requires patience and care, and you want to treat the dough as tenderly as possible.

From Salon

Related Words

• carefully 
• delicately 
• gently 
• gingerly 
• lightly