strongandtender
adjectiveUK /strɒŋ ænd ˈtɛndə/
US /strɔːŋ ænd ˈtɛndər/
Being strong on the outside and gentle and kind on the inside.
The big dog was strongandtender, playing roughly but licking the baby's hand softly.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Able to lift heavy things yet still speak softly to friends.
Grandpa is strongandtender; he carries the heavy boxes and then reads me stories.
3. Showing bravery in hard times while still being full of love.
The nurse was strongandtender, staying calm and holding the child's hand.
4. Having a firm body but a soft heart.
The wrestler was strongandtender, hugging his little sister after the match.
5. Being firm about what is right but always forgiving.
Our coach is strongandtender, making us practice hard but cheering us up when we fail.