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.

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Other Word Forms

• overgently adverb
• ungently adverb

Etymology

Origin of gently

gentl(e) ( def. ) + -y ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

He came gently, with a soft tread and beautifully clean hands.

From Literature

The writing disappears as it dries but can be made visible again by gently heating the note.

From Literature

Then officers began calmly walking through the crowd, gently prodding people onto one side of the street to reopen it to traffic.

From The Wall Street Journal

These hunks of gently cooked fish and venison took up most of my freezer and cost a fortune, but I felt virtuous knowing that my dog was eating “human grade” fare.

From The Wall Street Journal

I gently lift CPU off my lap and head for the patio gate.

From Literature

Related Words

• lightly
• mildly
• smoothly