When we speak of something becoming tender, we often pronounce it as /biˈkeɪm ˈtɛndər/. The first syllable, "be," is pronounced as "bee" and the second syllable, "came," is pronounced as "kaym." The word "tender" is pronounced as "ten-der" with the emphasis on the first syllable. This implies that the letter "e" in "became" is pronounced as a long "e" sound, which is represented by the IPA symbol /eɪ/. The spelling of "became tender" is simple and straightforward, but it is important to pay attention to the phonetics to accurately pronounce it.
"Became tender" is a phrase used to describe a change or transformation that has occurred in an object, situation, or even a person's emotional state, indicating a shift towards being gentle, sensitive, or vulnerable.
In the context of food, when something becomes tender, it refers to the process by which the texture or consistency of that particular ingredient or dish softens, usually as a result of cooking or marination. This tenderness typically implies a quality of being easy to chew, pleasingly delicate, and less resistant to pressure or chewing. For example, a tough piece of meat can become tender when it is simmered or slow-cooked for an extended period, allowing the connective tissues to break down and resulting in a more tender and succulent final product.
Outside of culinary applications, "became tender" can also refer to an emotional state. When someone becomes tender emotionally, it suggests they have undergone a transformation in which they have become more empathetic, compassionate, or open-hearted. This could occur as a result of personal growth, a profound experience, or an external event that evokes sensitivity and sympathy.
In summary, the phrase "became tender" generally denotes a change towards softness, delicacy, or sensitivity, whether in the context of food or emotions.
The word "became tender" does not have a specific etymology, as it is a phrase formed by combining the verb "became" and the adjective "tender". However, we can explore the etymology of each individual word:
1. "Became": The word "became" is the past tense of the verb "become". It originated from the Old English word "becuman", which means "to come about, happen, arrive". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "bikwemanan", which carries the same meaning.
2. "Tender": The word "tender" comes from the Old French adjective "tendre", which means "soft, gentle, delicate". It can be traced back to the Latin word "tener", with the same meaning.