gentle

[ jen-tl ]

adjective

, gen·tler, gen·tlest.

1. kindly; amiable:

   a gentle manner.

   Synonyms: merciful, lenient, humane, tender, soothing, pacific, peaceful, clement

   Antonyms: cruel, harsh

2. not severe, rough, or violent; mild:

   a gentle wind;

   a gentle tap on the shoulder.

   Antonyms: sudden, violent

3. moderate:

   gentle heat.

   Synonyms: temperate

4. gradual:

   a gentle slope.

5. of good birth or family; wellborn.

   Synonyms: noble

6. characteristic of good birth; honorable; respectable:

   a gentle upbringing.

7. easily handled or managed; tractable:

   a gentle animal.

   Synonyms: tame, docile, manageable

   Antonyms: unruly, wild

8. soft or low:

   a gentle sound.

9. polite; refined:

   Consider, gentle reader, my terrible predicament at this juncture.

   Synonyms: polished, courteous

10. entitled to a coat of arms; armigerous.
11. Archaic. noble; chivalrous:

    a gentle knight.

verb (used with object)

, gen·tled, gen·tling.

1. to tame; render tractable.
2. to mollify; calm; pacify.
3. to make gentle.
4. to stroke; soothe by petting.
5. to ennoble; dignify.

gentle

/ ˈdʒɛntəl /

adjective

1. having a mild or kindly nature or character
2. soft or temperate; mild; moderate

   a gentle scolding

3. gradual

   a gentle slope

4. easily controlled; tame

   a gentle horse

5. archaic.
   of good breeding; noble

   gentle blood

6. archaic.
   gallant; chivalrous

verb

1. to tame or subdue (a horse)
2. to appease or mollify
3. obsolete.
   to ennoble or dignify

noun

1. a maggot, esp when used as bait in fishing
2. archaic.
   a person who is of good breeding

Derived Forms

• ˈgently, adverb

Other Words From

• gen·tle·ness noun
• gen·tly adverb
• o·ver·gen·tle adjective
• un·gen·tle adjective
• un·gen·tle·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of gentle¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English gentle, gentil(e), from Old French gentil “highborn, noble,” from Latin gentīlis “belonging to the same family,” equivalent to gent- (stem of gēns ) gens + -īlis -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of gentle¹

C13: from Old French gentil noble, from Latin gentīlis belonging to the same family; see gens

Synonym Study

Gentle, meek, mild refer to an absence of bad temper or belligerence. Gentle has reference especially to disposition and behavior, and often suggests a deliberate or voluntary kindness or forbearance in dealing with others: a gentle pat; gentle with children. Meek implies a submissive spirit, and may even indicate undue submission in the face of insult or injustice: meek and even servile or weak. Mild suggests absence of harshness or severity, rather because of natural character or temperament than conscious choice: a mild rebuke; a mild manner.

Example Sentences

There may soon be a gentler—and cheaper—way to destroy persistent and dangerous “forever chemicals.”

From Science Magazine

At cardiac rehab sessions, she learns gentle exercise, advice on pacing and how to deal with the emotional side of the diagnosis.

From BBC

Hearing her speak in this way gives me a glimpse of a toughness that belies her well-spoken, gentle demeanour.

From BBC

It involves multiple cycles of gentle rinsing, he said.

From Science Daily

At benches they brush and gently scrape dust from fossilized bone, with the gentle dexterity of dentists cleaning Jurassic-era teeth.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• calm
• delicate
• mellow
• mild
• moderate
• muted
• placid
• quiet
• serene
• slight
• slow
• smooth
• soft
• soothing
• subdued
• tender
• tranquil