Tenderhearted

adj.kind, calmwarm

What it means

Readily moved to gentle care by another being's need or distress.

Reach for it when praising a person whose sympathy naturally becomes kindness

The tenderhearted mechanic kept water and blankets in the garage for stranded travelers.

playful
big-hearted
when generous warmth should sound informal
not when Big-hearted stresses generosity and exuberance more than sensitivity.
playful
softhearted
when easily stirred sympathy suits an affectionate tone
not when Softhearted can imply weak boundaries or excessive sentiment.
everyday
sympathetic
when understanding another person's feelings is enough
not when Sympathy can remain a feeling without the gentle action suggested by tenderhearted.
warm
kindhearted
when habitual benevolence deserves plain personal praise
not when Kindhearted is broader and need not imply special sensitivity to distress.
professional
compassionate
when recognizing suffering and responding helpfully are central
not when Compassionate is more deliberate and less about an easily moved disposition.
professional
humane
when compassionate treatment is judged against an ethical standard
not when Humane often describes conduct or systems rather than a person's warm disposition.
formal
merciful
when someone with power chooses leniency
not when Merciful assumes an opportunity to punish or withhold, which ordinary care may not involve.
literary
sentimental
when emotion attaches strongly to memories or vulnerable subjects
not when Sentimental can be critical and may suggest feeling unbalanced by judgment.

tenderhearted person
A tenderhearted person can still set a clear boundary against harmful behavior.
tenderhearted response
Her tenderhearted response gave the frightened caller time to find the words.
naturally tenderhearted
Though naturally tenderhearted, he checked what help the family actually wanted.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.