The phrase "expressed tenderness" is spelled with the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription /ɪkˈsprɛst ˈtɛndərnəs/. The "ex" in "expressed" is pronounced as /ɪks/, with a hard "k" sound. "Tenderness" is spelled with an "n" in the second syllable, but the "n" is not pronounced as its own distinct sound. Instead, it is merged with the "d" in the first syllable, creating a voiced dental stop /-dər-/, similar to the "th" sound in "the". Overall, "expressed tenderness" is a sweet phrase with a unique spelling.
Expressed tenderness refers to the explicit display or communication of affection, care, or feeling of warmth towards someone or something. It involves openly expressing emotions and sentiments associated with tenderness, such as fondness, love, compassion, and nurturing.
When someone exhibits expressed tenderness, they consciously and deliberately convey their emotions and thoughts through various means, such as verbal expressions, gestures, body language, or acts of kindness. It is a way of outwardly demonstrating one's affection and tender feelings towards a person, an animal, or even an inanimate object.
This expression of tenderness can manifest in different ways depending on the context and relationship. It may involve tender gazes, gentle touches, soft spoken words, or acts of service aimed at providing comfort and support to the recipient. It often conveys a sense of vulnerability and emotional intimacy, highlighting the depth of feeling and care that the individual holds for the other party.
Expressed tenderness is commonly observed within close relationships, such as romantic partnerships, familial bonds, or close friendships. However, it can also be demonstrated in various social interactions and situations, where individuals express empathy, sympathy, or concern for others.
Overall, expressed tenderness represents an intentional and overt display of gentle, affectionate, and nurturing qualities towards others, serving as a means of fostering emotional connection and enriching relationships.
The word "expressed tenderness" does not have a specific etymology on its own, as it is a phrase made up of two separate words with their separate origins:
1. Expressed: The word "expressed" comes from the Latin word "expressus", which is the past participle of the verb "exprimere", meaning "to press out" or "to express". It entered English in the late 14th century and refers to making feelings, thoughts, or ideas known or communicated.
2. Tenderness: The word "tenderness" comes from the Old French word "tendre", which itself comes from the Latin word "tener", meaning "soft" or "tender". It was first used in English around the early 14th century and refers to a gentle, affectionate, or loving feeling or sentiment.