What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gentle
Example
She gave the baby a gentle hug. [gentle: adjective]
Example
He spoke in a gentle tone to avoid upsetting her. [gentle: adjective]
Example
The gentle breeze rustled the leaves on the trees. [gentle: adjective]
tender
Example
The steak was so tender, it practically melted in my mouth. [tender: adjective]
Example
She showed tender love and care towards her sick dog. [tender: adjective]
Example
His knee was still tender after the surgery. [tender: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gentle is more commonly used than tender in everyday language. Gentle is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while tender is more specific and often used in emotional or relationship-related contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gentle and tender?
Both gentle and tender can be used in formal and informal contexts, but gentle is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations.
