How to pronounce tenderness
Say it like TEN-der-nus. Tenderness has three 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 tenderness. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TEN
- der
- nus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tenderness 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.
- nusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of tenderness
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: TEN-duh-nis.
What does tenderness mean?
- Quality, state or condition of being tender.“He picked her up in his arms with great tenderness.”
- A tendency to express warm, compassionate feelings.“When the lovers were together, their cold indifference gave way to love and tenderness.”
- A concern for the feelings or welfare of others.“When they saw the poor orphans, they were overwhelmed with tenderness for them.”
Where does tenderness come from?
From tender + -ness.
Questions about saying tenderness
How do you pronounce tenderness?
Say TEN-der-nus. The American pronunciation is /ˈtɛndɚnəs/. In British English it is /ˈtɛndənɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in tenderness?
Tenderness has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TEN). Broken into parts: TEN · der · nus.
Is tenderness 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 /ˈtɛndənɪs/ (TEN-duh-nis).