gently

[ jent-lee ]

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 Words From

• o·ver·gen·tly adverb
• un·gen·tly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of gently¹

gentl(e) ( def ) + -y ¹( def )

Example Sentences

Musk and Ramaswamy immediately announced that they would “not go gently,” and spoke of attacking government waste.

From Slate

Then he gently squeezes a bellow, pouring smoke into the hives of honeybees in his garden.

From Salon

Ramaswamy reposted Trump's announcement on social media saying "we will not go gently".

From BBC

Jumping in on the excitement with his own contribution to social media, Ramaswamy wrote in a post to X, "We will not go gently, @elonmusk."

From Salon

I felt like he gently slipped away after a nice dinner.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• lightly
• mildly
• smoothly