The Meaning of TLC: What It Is and How To Use It

Do you know the definition of TLC? This guide will provide you with all of the info you need on the acronym TLC, including its definition, usage, example sentences, and more!

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What does the acronym TLC stand for?

According to Collins Dictionary, TLC means tender loving care If something or someone needs tender loving care, this means that they need solicitous care in order to improve its condition or to make it feel loved. Many things can need a little TLC. A scared animal from a shelter might need TLC in order to feel comfortable, safe, and happy in a new home. A dying plant might need some TLC to come back to life. Overall, people use TLC to mean kindness and attention, particularly for things that need to be healed or fixed.

According to The Free Dictionary, the acronym TLC also has many other definitions, though these are less common. If you plan on using one of these alternate definitions, make sure to provide proper context so that the reader is not confused. Always ensure you are abundantly clear when using acronyms that have multiple definitions.

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How can the acronym TLC be used in a sentence?

There are many different contexts in which using the acronym TLC to mean tender loving care is appropriate. This term can be used to describe anything that needs kindness and attention, particularly if it is something that needs to be healed or fixed. In this example, Janelle is an experienced dog owner looking for a new dog at the animal shelter.

Shelter Volunteer: Rocky and Scooter are both super friendly, high energy dogs. If you’re active they would be perfect.

Janelle: Who’s this big guy over here?

Shelter Volunteer: Oh, that’s Grawp. He’s a little… grumpy.

Janelle: How so?

Shelter Volunteer: He was rescued from an abuse situation. He’s never bitten, but he hides in the corner and growls every time we go in there.

Janelle: Sounds like he needs TLC. I’ll take him.

What are synonyms for the phrase TLC?

There are many different words that one can use in place of the term TLC. One might choose to use a synonym, which is a word or phrase with the same definition as another word or phrase, to avoid using an acronym,avoid repeating themselves, or simply to expand their vocabulary. The below list of synonyms for TLC is provided by Thesaurus

  • treatment
  • recognition
  • ministration
  • big rush
  • consciousness
  • awareness
  • brace
  • spotlight
  • attention
  • notice
  • looking after
  • observation
  • regard
  • concern
  • tender loving care

Overall, the phrase TLC stands for tender loving care. This phrase is used with regard to a great many things that need work and attention, like a house that is a fixer-upper or a scared dog that needs to come out of its shell. Many people believe that with a little TLC, most things can be improved.

Sources:

  1. https://acronyms.thefreedictionary.com/TLC
  2. https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/tlc
  3. https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/tlc#:~:text=uncountable%20noun,’