- in a soft and gentle way: He took time to polish his new leather shoes tenderly with his handkerchief.The wind we hated so much while climbing is now tenderly drying the sweat from our brows.
- in an affectionate, loving, or kindhearted way: He looked down tenderly at his baby daughter.
- sensitively or carefully, as to avoid pain: Moving tenderly, she attempted to raise herself from the floor where she had fallen.
