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

She was magnetic and driven, going on to earn an MBA, but she was also gentle with him, always protecting his feelings.

From Salon

Murphy, who recently collaborated with Mielants again on the mental health-themed “Steve” as producer and star, sees “Small Things Like These” as what he calls a “gentle provocation.”

From Los Angeles Times

"So, be gentle with each other and with yourselves."

From Salon

This is mostly rooted in the partnership between Khalid and Ina, a relationship that, in its avoidance of overt romantics, blossoms and finds meaning in the gentle progression of their closeness.

From New York Times

An affecting Susan Ruttan plays Gladys, a gentle, former costume designer, forgetting things.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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