ternura

/teɾˈnuɾa/
nounIntermediate
formalinformal

A feeling of gentle affection or compassion, often expressed through softness or care in behavior or words.

El niño abrazó a su madre con ternura.

The child hugged his mother with tenderness.

Su ternura al cuidar a los animales era admirable.

His tenderness in caring for animals was admirable.

💡

Often used to describe emotional warmth, kindness, or gentle affection.

Collocations

mostrar ternurato show tendernessacto de ternuraact of tendernessmirada de ternuralook of tenderness

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

derretirse de ternuraphrase
to melt with tenderness

💡Pro Tip

Emotional Context

Use 'ternura' to describe gentle, affectionate emotions rather than romantic love.

Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

'Ternura' is best used for genuine, heartfelt expressions of care, not casual interactions.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'tener' meaning 'soft' or 'tender', with the suffix '-ura' indicating a state or quality.

📝Usage Notes

Commonly used to describe emotional expressions of love, care, or compassion, especially in personal or intimate contexts.

Word Breakdown

tener
to have or hold
root
+
-ura
state or quality
suffix
Diccionario Español-Inglés