Tendre (en. Tender)
/tɑ̃dʁ/
Meaning & Definition
EnglishFrench
verb
To stretch or extend something.
She stretches the rope to make it straight.
Elle tend la corde pour qu'elle soit bien droite.
To propose or give something to someone.
He extends his hand to help the child.
Il tend sa main pour aider l'enfant.
To feel a strong emotion.
He tends to show more affection with his friends.
Il tend à se montrer plus affectueux avec ses amis.
To approach a state or condition.
The project is tending to succeed thanks to the team's efforts.
Le projet tend à réussir grâce aux efforts de l'équipe.
To show or express feelings.
She tends to be very empathetic towards others.
Elle tend à être très empathique envers les autres.
Etymology
From Latin 'tendere' which means to stretch.
Common Phrases and Expressions
to extend a hand
To offer help or support.
tendre la main
to set a trap
To create a situation to capture or deceive someone.
tendre un piège
to lend an ear
To make an effort to listen attentively.
tendre l'oreille
to tend towards
To orient or direct oneself towards something.
tendre vers
Related Words
tenderness
Quality of what is tender, softness and affection.
tendresse
tension
State of something that is stretched or under pressure.
tension
tenderezza
Italian word meaning tenderness.
tendrezza
Slang Meanings
To be tender in a romantic relationship.
He is so tender with her, they make a beautiful couple.
Il est tellement tendre avec elle, ils forment un beau couple.
To be easily hurt or affected.
He is a bit tender, he cries at every sad movie.
Il est un peu tendre, il pleure à chaque film triste.