gentle
[ jen-tl ]
/ ˈdʒɛn tl /
adjective, gen·tler, gen·tlest.
verb (used with object), gen·tled, gen·tling.
Origin of gentle
SYNONYMS FOR gentle
1
clement,
peaceful,
pacific,
soothing;
tender,
humane,
lenient,
merciful.
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.
3 temperate.
5 noble.
7 manageable, docile, tame, quiet.
9 courteous; polished.
OTHER WORDS FROM gentle
Words nearby gentle
gentilesse,
gentilism,
gentility,
gentisate,
gentisic acid,
gentle,
gentle breeze,
gentle craft,
gentle sex,
gentlefolk,
gentleman
Example sentences from the Web for gentleness
British Dictionary definitions for gentleness (1 of 2)
gentleness
/ (ˈdʒɛntəlnɪs) /
noun
the quality of being gentle
physics
a property of elementary particles, conserved in certain strong interactions
See also charm 1 (def. 7)
British Dictionary definitions for gentleness (2 of 2)
gentle
/ (ˈdʒɛntəl) /
adjective
verb (tr)
noun
a maggot, esp when used as bait in fishing
archaic
a person who is of good breeding
Derived forms of gentle
gently, adverbWord Origin for gentle
C13: from Old French
gentil noble, from Latin
gentīlis belonging to the same family; see
gens