gentle

[jen-tl]

adjective

gentler, gentlest 

1. kindly; amiable.

   a gentle manner.

   Synonyms: merciful, lenient, humane, tender, soothing, pacific, peaceful, clement
   Antonyms: cruel, harsh

2. not severe, rough, or violent; mild.

   a gentle wind;

   a gentle tap on the shoulder.

   Antonyms: sudden, violent

3. moderate.

   gentle heat.

   Synonyms: temperate

4. gradual.

   a gentle slope.

5. of good birth or family; wellborn.

   Synonyms: noble

6. characteristic of good birth; honorable; respectable.

   a gentle upbringing.

7. easily handled or managed; tractable.

   a gentle animal.

   Synonyms: tame, docile, manageable
   Antonyms: unruly, wild

8. soft or low.

   a gentle sound.

9. polite; refined.

   Consider, gentle reader, my terrible predicament at this juncture.

   Synonyms: polished, courteous

10. entitled to a coat of arms; armigerous.

11. Archaic.,  noble; chivalrous.

    a gentle knight.

verb (used with object)

gentled, gentling 

1. to tame; render tractable.

2. to mollify; calm; pacify.

3. to make gentle.

4. to stroke; soothe by petting.

5. to ennoble; dignify.

gentle

/ ˈdʒɛntəl /

adjective

1. having a mild or kindly nature or character

2. soft or temperate; mild; moderate

   a gentle scolding

3. gradual

   a gentle slope

4. easily controlled; tame

   a gentle horse

5. archaic,  of good breeding; noble

   gentle blood

6. archaic,  gallant; chivalrous

verb

1. to tame or subdue (a horse)

2. to appease or mollify

3. obsolete,  to ennoble or dignify

noun

1. a maggot, esp when used as bait in fishing

2. archaic,  a person who is of good breeding

Other Word Forms

• gently adverb
• gentleness noun
• overgentle adjective
• ungentle adjective
• ungentleness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of gentle¹

First recorded in 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of gentle¹

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

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

As a series living in “the kind lane,” the characters are accepted for who they are — even if there’s gentle ribbing at times.

From Los Angeles Times

The 12 new towns will be walkable and environmentally friendly, with "gentle density" such as "terraced housing and mansion blocks" rather than high-rise.

From BBC

For Wonder, 75, Riperton’s music evokes a kinder, gentler era, her soothing voice an embodiment of “a commitment to music, a commitment to peace, a commitment to unity, a commitment to bringing people together.”

From Los Angeles Times

When millennial parents embraced “gentle parenting,” some wondered if they were being “too gentle.”

From Salon

While he has carefully steered away from saying things that would further divide Americans, he hasn't been so gentle with the social media companies that he clearly blames for this tragedy.

From BBC

Related Words

• calm 
• delicate 
• mellow 
• mild 
• moderate 
• muted 
• placid 
• quiet 
• serene 
• slight 
• slow 
• smooth 
• soft 
• soothing 
• subdued 
• tender 
• tranquil