tenderness

Plural: tendernesses

Noun

• a tendency to express warm and affectionate feeling
• a pain that is felt (as when the area is touched)
  • "the best results are generally obtained by inserting the needle into the point of maximum tenderness"
• warm compassionate feelings
• a positive feeling of liking
• a feeling of concern for the welfare of someone (especially someone defenseless)
• A tendency to express warm, compassionate feelings.
• A concern for the feelings or welfare of others.
• A pain or discomfort when an affected area is touched.

Examples

• Everybody needs a little tenderness sometimes.
• He noted her extreme tenderness when he touched the bruise on her thigh.
• When the lovers were together, their cold indifference gave way to love and tenderness.
• When they saw the poor orphans, they were overwhelmed with tenderness for them.

Synonyms

affection, affectionateness, fondness, heart, philia, rawness, softheartedness, soreness, tenderheartedness, warmheartedness, warmness