tenderness

Definitions

Gentleness and kindness, especially in expressing affection.

The quality of being easily cut or chewed; softness.

Physical sensitivity or pain when touched.

Examples

She handled the injured bird with great tenderness.

There was a surprising tenderness in his voice as he spoke about his childhood.

The mother looked at her newborn baby with pure tenderness.

Synonyms

affection kindness compassion gentleness warmth fondness sensitivity

Antonyms

harshness cruelty callousness severity indifference coldness brutality