tendre

stretch out, hold out

verb adjective TAHN-druh Less Common

Origin: Latin tendere

Also means

tender, soft (adjective)

Usage Note

Tendre as a verb means to extend or offer (tendre la main = to hold out one's hand/to reach out). As an adjective it means gentle, tender, or soft (un regard tendre = a tender look; une viande tendre = tender meat). The two uses are homographs with the same spelling.

Examples

"Il lui a tendu la main pour l'aider."

Natural Translation

He held out his hand to help her.

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