How to pronounce tender
Say it like TEN-der. Tender has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce tender. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TEN
- der
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tender pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- derKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of tender
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: TEN-duh.
What does tender mean?
- given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality“a tender heart”“a tender smile”
- hurting“the tender spot on his jaw”
- young and immature“at a tender age”
- offer or present for acceptance
- propose a payment“The Swiss dealer offered $2 million for the painting”
- make a tender of; in legal settlements
- something that can be used as an official medium of payment
- someone who waits on or tends to or attends to the needs of another
- a formal proposal to buy at a specified price
Where does tender come from?
From Middle English tender, tendere, from Anglo-Norman tendre, Old French tendre, from Latin tener, tenerum (“soft, delicate”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with tender
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of tender.
Questions about saying tender
How do you pronounce tender?
Say TEN-der. The American pronunciation is /ˈtɛndɚ/. In British English it is /ˈtɛndə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in tender?
Tender has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TEN). Broken into parts: TEN · der.
Is tender pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈtɛndə/ (TEN-duh).