be, feel, seem
become

achingly, very
The letters to Penelope are achingly tender.

almost
Her expression became soft, almost tender.

towards/toward
He felt tender and loving towards/toward her.

be, seem
become

beautifully (esp. BrE), deliciously (esp. BrE), exceptionally, meltingly, very
This meat is beautifully tender.

just
Boil the potatoes in salted water until just tender.

almost

be, feel, look
The back of my neck feels very tender.

become

extremely, fairly, very, etc.
a little, slightly, etc.

Tender is used with these nouns:
age, beef, breast, care, caress, chicken, conscience, document, embrace, feeling, flesh, heart, kiss, love, meat, mercy, moment, offer, shoot, skin, spot, steak, year