gentle

[ jen-tl ]
/ ˈdʒɛn tl /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR gentle ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective, gen·tler, gen·tlest.

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

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Origin of gentle

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

synonym study for gentle

1. 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.

OTHER WORDS FROM gentle

Words nearby gentle

gentilesse, gentilism, gentility, gentisate, gentisic acid, gentle, gentle breeze, gentle craft, gentlefolk, gentleman, gentleman-at-arms
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to gentle

genial, amiable, considerate, mellow, compassionate, quiet, tame, pleasant, benign, placid, tender, affable, moderate, soft, humane, cool, serene, subdued, slight, smooth

Example sentences from the Web for gentle

British Dictionary definitions for gentle

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
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012