What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tender
Example
The steak was so tender that it practically melted in my mouth. [tender: adjective]
Example
She gave him a tender kiss on the forehead before saying goodbye. [tender: adjective]
Example
He made a tender offer to buy the company, which was accepted by the board. [tender: noun]
delicate
Example
Be careful with that vase, it's very delicate. [delicate: adjective]
Example
The dish had a delicate aroma and flavor that complemented the wine perfectly. [delicate: adjective]
Example
We need to approach this topic with delicate diplomacy to avoid offending anyone. [delicate: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tender is more commonly used than delicate in everyday language, especially when describing food or emotions. Delicate is more formal and less common, often used in specific contexts such as art, music, or diplomacy.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tender and delicate?
Delicate is generally considered more formal than tender, and is often used in formal writing or speech. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context.
