Meaning & use
more tender
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“more tender” is a form of “tender”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
adjectivecomparable
Softer and easier to cut or chew than something else.
Grammar: Describes food, especially meat: This steak is more tender than the last one.
Patterns
- more tender than something
- cook something until more tender
The chicken was more tender after marinating overnight.
This cut of beef is more tender than the cheaper one.
adjectivecomparable
More gentle, loving, or careful in treatment.
Grammar: Describes people or actions: She gave the baby a more tender look.
Patterns
- more tender towards someone
- a more tender touch
He was more tender with the puppy than with the older dog.
Her voice became more tender when she spoke to the child.
adjectivecomparable
More painful when touched or pressed.
Grammar: Often used for body parts: My knee is more tender today than yesterday.
Patterns
- more tender than usual
- feel more tender
The bruise is more tender than it looks.
After the workout, his muscles felt more tender.
Common combinations
- more tender than
- The lamb was more tender than the pork.
- more tender and juicy
- Slow cooking makes the meat more tender and juicy.
- feel more tender
- The wound feels more tender when I press it.
- a more tender age
- Children at a more tender age need extra care.
Synonyms and how they differ
- softer
- Focuses on texture; "more tender" is often used for meat that is easy to chew.
- gentler
- Describes a mild or careful manner; "more tender" adds warmth and affection.
- sorer
- Used for pain; "more tender" can mean painful when touched but is less intense.
Opposites
Word family
- tenderness noun
- The quality of being tender: the tenderness of the meat.
- tenderly adverb
- In a gentle, loving way: He kissed her tenderly.
- tenderize verb
- To make meat softer: Tenderize the steak with a mallet.
Commonly confused: more tender or tender?
more tender vs tender
As a noun, "tender" can mean an offer or a small boat. The comparative "more tender" only applies to the adjective.
Practice
Which sentence uses "more tender" correctly?
Choose one answer.
Option 0 correctly compares the tenderness of two pieces of meat. Option 1 is wrong because "tender" does not mean tall. Option 2 is wrong because "tender" does not mean high or expensive. Option 3 is grammatically incorrect; it should be "more tenderly" (adverb) to describe how she spoke.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “more tender”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.