gently

American  

[jent-lee] / ˈdʒɛnt li /

adverb

1. in a kind and amiable manner.

   When a child makes a social mistake, an adult should gently and clearly explain what to do in the future to replace the inappropriate behavior.

2. in a way that is not rough, harsh, or violent.

   New or gently used toys, for both indoor and outdoor use, are requested for donation.

3. in a way that is not extreme; moderately.

   The ground sloped gently downward until it was almost level with the land on the other side of the stream.

4. softly; quietly.

   He sings beautifully and easily at full voice, yet sounds equally compelling when singing more gently and lyrically.

---

Other Word Forms

• overgently adverb
• ungently adverb

Etymology

Origin of gently

gentl(e) ( def. ) + -y ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Pope Leo has so far operated very differently, gently holding on to some of the progressive ideals of his predecessor while paying heed to the views of traditionalists.

From BBC

Complex, gently fizzy hard ciders—diverse in flavor and gluten-free, with about half the alcohol of wine—are my celebration essentials no matter the company or the culinary spread.

From The Wall Street Journal

Think about the senses you can gently dial up or down.

From Salon

"We can therefore explain why some viscous magmas flow out gently instead of exploding, despite their high gas content -- a riddle that's been puzzling us for a long time," says Bachmann.

From Science Daily

We see Ella Fitzgerald at New York’s Basin Street East in the mid-1950s; her eyes closed, she gently leans into a microphone that she caresses with both hands.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• lightly
• mildly
• smoothly