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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. )

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.