~ 1
■ adjective ( ~er , ~est )
1》 gentle and sympathetic.
↘( ~ of ) archaic solicitous of.
2》 (of food) easy to cut or chew.
3》 (of a part of the body) sensitive.
4》 young and vulnerable: the ~ age of five.
5》 requiring tact or careful handling.
6》 Nautical (of a ship) inclined to roll in response to the wind.
Phrases
~ mercies ironic attention or treatment not in the best interests of its recipients.
Derivatives
~ly adverb
~ness noun
Origin
ME: from OFr. tendre , from L. tener '~, delicate'.
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~ 2
■ verb
1》 offer or present formally.
↘(often ~ for ) make a formal written offer to carry out work, supply goods, etc. for a stated fixed price.
2》 offer as payment.
■ noun a ~ed offer.
Phrases
put something out to ~ seek ~s to carry out work, supply goods, etc.
Derivatives
~er noun
Origin
C16: from OFr. tendre , from L. ~e (see tend 1 ).
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~ 3
■ noun
1》 a vehicle used by a fire service or the armed forces for carrying supplies or fulfilling a specified role.
2》 a boat used to ferry people and supplies to and from a ship.
3》 a truck closely coupled to a steam locomotive to carry fuel and water.
4》 a person who tends a machine, place, or other people.
Origin
ME (in the sense 'attendant, nurse'): from tend 2 or shortening of at~ (see attend ).