Definition of tender

In the 15th century, the word "tender" took on a new connotation, referring to something that is delicate or vulnerable. This sense of the word is often used in phrases like "heart tender" or "skin tender." In the 17th century, the word "tender" also began to be used in the context of emotions, particularly in describing something that is emotionally tender or sentimental. Today, the word "tender" has a range of meanings, including "delicate," "sensitive," "emotional," and "offered" or "bought and sold" (as in tender a bid). Despite its many meanings, the word "tender" remains closely tied to the idea of something being offered or presented with care and attention.