Strength vs. Tenderness — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 6, 2024
Strength embodies physical power and resilience, typically associated with force and endurance, whereas tenderness represents gentleness and a soft emotional quality.
Difference Between Strength and Tenderness
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Strength often refers to the ability to withstand physical or mental pressure and perform demanding tasks efficiently. In contrast, tenderness is characterized by a gentle and caring disposition that emphasizes empathy and compassion.
In physical contexts, strength is measured by muscle power and the capacity to lift, push, or pull heavy weights. On the other hand, tenderness can be seen in delicate touches and the careful handling of fragile objects.
Emotionally, strength manifests as fortitude and resilience in challenging situations, providing stability and support. Whereas tenderness involves sensitivity and warmth, offering comfort and understanding to others.
In relationships, a person's strength may be pivotal in overcoming obstacles and providing security. Meanwhile, tenderness is crucial for emotional bonding and nurturing a sense of closeness and affection.
Culturally, strength is often celebrated as a virtue in leaders and heroes, symbolizing capability and determination. Tenderness, however, is equally valued in caregivers and community leaders, where compassion and kindness are essential.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The quality or state of being strong, in terms of physical power or durability.
The quality of being gentle, soft, or sensitive.
Emotional Impact
Instills confidence and security.
Promotes comfort and emotional healing.
Typical Contexts
Sports, leadership, crises.
Caregiving, intimate relationships, comforting situations.
Physical Aspect
Associated with muscle power and endurance.
Associated with a soft, careful touch.
Cultural Symbol
Often symbolizes heroism and reliability.
Often symbolizes care and empathy.
Compare with Definitions
Strength
Physical power.
The strength of the athlete was evident in her powerful sprint.
Tenderness
Physical gentleness.
The nurse handled the newborn with utmost tenderness.
Strength
Mental fortitude.
His strength during the crisis inspired the whole team.
Tenderness
Emotional softness.
His tenderness towards the stray animals warmed everyone's hearts.
Strength
Moral force.
She showed great strength in standing up for what is right.
Tenderness
Sensitivity to pain.
There was a spot of tenderness where the injury occurred.
Strength
Capacity for endurance.
Their financial strength allowed the company to invest heavily.
Tenderness
Affectionate nature.
Her tenderness made her a favorite among the children.
Strength
Structural integrity.
The bridge’s strength is calculated to withstand severe earthquakes.
Tenderness
Considerate behavior.
He expressed tenderness by preparing a quiet dinner for two.
Strength
The quality or state of being physically strong
Cycling can help you build up your strength
Tenderness
Easily crushed or bruised; fragile
A tender petal.
Strength
The capacity of an object or substance to withstand great force or pressure
They were taking no chances with the strength of the retaining wall
Tenderness
Easily chewed or cut
Tender beef.
Strength
The potency or degree of concentration of a drug, chemical, or drink
The solution comes in two strengths
It's double the strength of your average beer
Tenderness
Young and vulnerable
Of tender age.
Strength
A good or beneficial quality or attribute of a person or thing
The strengths and weaknesses of their sales and marketing operation
His strength was his obsessive single-mindedness
Tenderness
Frail; delicate.
Strength
The number of people comprising a group, typically a team or army
The peacetime strength of the army was 415,000
Tenderness
Sensitive to frost or severe cold; not hardy
Tender green shoots.
Strength
The state or quality of being strong; physical power or capacity
The strength needed to lift a box.
Tenderness
Easily hurt; sensitive
Tender skin.
Strength
The capacity to resist attack; impregnability
The strength of the ship's armor.
Tenderness
Painful; sore
A tender tooth.
Strength
The capacity to resist strain or stress; durability
The strength of the cables.
Tenderness
Considerate and protective; solicitous
A tender mother.
His tender concern.
Strength
The ability to deal with difficult situations or to maintain a moral or intellectual position
Does he have the strength to overcome such a tragedy?.
Tenderness
Characterized by or expressing gentle emotions; loving
A tender glance.
A tender ballad.
Strength
The number of people constituting a normal or ideal organization
The police force has been at half strength since the budget cuts.
Tenderness
Given to sympathy or sentimentality; soft
A tender heart.
Strength
Capability in terms of numbers or resources
An army of fearsome strength.
Tenderness
(Nautical) Likely to heel easily under sail; crank.
Strength
An attribute or quality of particular worth or utility; an asset
Your easygoing nature is one of your strengths.
Tenderness
To make tender.
Strength
One that is regarded as the embodiment of protective or supportive power; a support or mainstay
Her family has been her strength in difficult times.
Tenderness
A strip of meat, usually chicken, often breaded, deep-fried, and served with a sauce.
Strength
Degree of concentration, distillation, or saturation
What's the strength of that cleaning solution?.
Tenderness
A tendency to express warm, compassionate feelings
When the lovers were together, their cold indifference gave way to love and tenderness.
Strength
Operative effectiveness or potency
The strength of the drug.
Tenderness
Concern for the feelings or welfare of others
When they saw the poor orphans, they were overwhelmed with tenderness for them.
Everybody needs a little tenderness sometimes.
Strength
Intensity, as of sound or light
The strength of the wind.
Tenderness
Pain or discomfort when an affected area is touched
He noted her extreme tenderness when he touched the bruise on her thigh.
Strength
Intensity of emotion or belief
The strength of feeling among the voters.
Tenderness
The quality or state of being tender (in any sense of the adjective).
Strength
Cogency or persuasiveness
The strength of his argument.
Tenderness
A tendency to express warm and affectionate feeling
Strength
Effective or binding force; efficacy
The strength of an argument.
Tenderness
A pain that is felt when the area is touched
Strength
Firmness of or a continuous rising tendency in prices, as of a currency or market.
Tenderness
Warm compassionate feelings
Strength
(Games) Power derived from the value of playing cards held.
Tenderness
A positive feeling of liking;
He had trouble expressing the affection he felt
The child won everyone's heart
Strength
The quality or degree of being strong.
It requires great strength to lift heavy objects.
Tenderness
A feeling of concern for the welfare of someone (especially someone defenseless)
Strength
The intensity of a force or power; potency.
He had the strength of ten men.
Strength
The strongest part of something; that on which confidence or reliance is based.
Strength
A positive attribute.
We all have our own strengths and weaknesses.
Strength
(obsolete) An armed force, a body of troops.
Strength
(obsolete) A strong place; a stronghold.
Strength
(obsolete) To strengthen all senses.
Strength
The quality or state of being strong; ability to do or to bear; capacity for exertion or endurance, whether physical, intellectual, or moral; force; vigor; power; as, strength of body or of the arm; strength of mind, of memory, or of judgment.
All his [Samson's] strength in his hairs were.
Thou must outliveThy youth, thy strength, thy beauty.
Strength
Power to resist force; solidity or toughness; the quality of bodies by which they endure the application of force without breaking or yielding; - in this sense opposed to frangibility; as, the strength of a bone, of a beam, of a wall, a rope, and the like.
Strength
Power of resisting attacks; impregnability.
Strength
That quality which tends to secure results; effective power in an institution or enactment; security; validity; legal or moral force; logical conclusiveness; as, the strength of social or legal obligations; the strength of law; the strength of public opinion; strength of evidence; strength of argument.
Strength
One who, or that which, is regarded as embodying or affording force, strength, or firmness; that on which confidence or reliance is based; support; security.
God is our refuge and strength.
What they boded would be a mischief to us, you are providing shall be one of our principal strengths.
Certainly there is not a greater strength against temptation.
Strength
Force as measured; amount, numbers, or power of any body, as of an army, a navy, and the like; as, what is the strength of the enemy by land, or by sea?
Strength
Vigor or style; force of expression; nervous diction; - said of literary work.
And praise the easy vigor of a lifeWhere Denham's strength and Waller's sweetness join.
Strength
Intensity; - said of light or color.
Bright Phœbus in his strength.
Strength
Intensity or degree of the distinguishing and essential element; spirit; virtue; excellence; - said of liquors, solutions, etc.; as, the strength of wine or of acids.
Strength
A strong place; a stronghold.
Strength
To strengthen.
Strength
The property of being physically or mentally strong;
Fatigue sapped his strength
Strength
Capability in terms of personnel and materiel that affect the capacity to fight a war;
We faced an army of great strength
Politicians have neglected our military posture
Strength
Physical energy or intensity;
He hit with all the force he could muster
It was destroyed by the strength of the gale
A government has not the vitality and forcefulness of a living man
Strength
An asset of special worth or utility;
Cooking is his forte
Strength
The power to induce the taking of a course of action or the embracing of a point of view by means of argument or entreaty;
The strength of his argument settled the matter
Strength
The amount of energy transmitted (as by acoustic or electromagnetic radiation);
He adjusted the intensity of the sound
They measured the station's signal strength
Strength
Capacity to produce strong physiological or chemical effects;
The toxin's potency
The strength of the drinks
Strength
The condition of financial success;
The strength of the company's stock in recent weeks
Strength
Permanence by virtue of the power to resist stress or force;
They advertised the durability of their products
Common Curiosities
How is tenderness expressed in relationships?
Tenderness in relationships is shown through gentle touches, empathetic listening, and caring actions.
Can strength and tenderness coexist in a person?
Yes, individuals can embody both strength and tenderness, balancing resilience with sensitivity.
What are the benefits of emotional strength?
Emotional strength helps individuals manage stress, overcome adversity, and support others during difficult times.
Can strength be developed over time?
Yes, strength, both physical and mental, can be developed through consistent training, challenges, and personal growth.
Why is tenderness important in healthcare?
Tenderness is crucial in healthcare as it enhances patient comfort, trust, and the overall effectiveness of care.
What are examples of tenderness in literature?
Tenderness is often portrayed in literature through characters who show compassion, sensitivity, and a deep understanding of human emotions.
Is tenderness a sign of weakness?
No, tenderness is a strength that shows emotional intelligence and the ability to connect with others.
Does displaying tenderness influence social relationships?
Displaying tenderness can positively influence social relationships by building bonds of trust and empathy.
What role does strength play in leadership?
In leadership, strength is essential for decision-making, resilience, and inspiring confidence in others.
How do cultures perceive strength?
Cultural perceptions of strength vary, but it is generally associated with leadership qualities, resilience, and the ability to protect and provide.
What defines physical strength?
Physical strength refers to the capacity of muscles to exert force against resistance.
How does tenderness impact parenting?
Tenderness in parenting fosters a nurturing environment, encouraging emotional security and development in children.
What psychological benefits does expressing tenderness bring?
Expressing tenderness can lead to psychological benefits such as reduced anxiety, increased happiness, and better emotional regulation.
Is tenderness a valuable trait in business?
Yes, tenderness can be valuable in business, particularly in roles that require teamwork, customer relations, and conflict resolution.
How do strength and tenderness interact in sports?
In sports, strength is necessary for performance, while tenderness can play a role in teamwork and sportsmanship.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
