gentle

[ jen-tl ]
/ ˈdʒɛn tl /

adjective, gen·tler, gen·tlest.

verb (used with object), gen·tled, gen·tling.

Origin of gentle

1175–1225; Middle English gentle, gentil(e) < Old French gentil highborn, noble < Latin gentīlis belonging to the same family, equivalent to gent- (stem of gēns) gens + -īlis -le

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

Example sentences from the Web for gently

British Dictionary definitions for gently

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, adverb

Word Origin for gentle

C13: from Old French gentil noble, from Latin gentīlis belonging to the same family; see gens