gentle

[ jen-tl ]

See synonyms for: gentle gentled gentles gentling on Thesaurus.com

adjective,gen·tler, gen·tlest.

kindly; amiable: a gentle manner.
not severe, rough, or violent; mild: a gentle wind;a gentle tap on the shoulder.

moderate: gentle heat.
gradual: a gentle slope.
of good birth or family; wellborn.
characteristic of good birth; honorable; respectable: a gentle upbringing.
easily handled or managed; tractable: a gentle animal.
soft or low: a gentle sound.
polite; refined: Consider, gentle reader, my terrible predicament at this juncture.
entitled to a coat of arms; armigerous.
Archaic. noble; chivalrous: a gentle knight.

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

to tame; render tractable.
to mollify; calm; pacify.

to make gentle.
to stroke; soothe by petting.
to ennoble; dignify.

Origin of gentle

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

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 for gentle

1	clement, peaceful, pacific, soothing; tender, humane, lenient, merciful
3	temperate
5	noble
7	manageable, docile, tame
9	courteous; polished

See synonyms for gentle on Thesaurus.com

Opposites for gentle

1	harsh, cruel
2	violent, sudden
7	wild, unruly

See antonyms for gentle on Thesaurus.com

Other words from gentle

gen·tle·ness, noun
gen·tly, adverb
o·ver·gen·tle, adjective
un·gen·tle, adjective
un·gen·tle·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use gentle in a sentence

Mr. Huckabee far overshadows his kinder, gentler Gov. Huckabee.
The Devil in Mike Huckabee | Dean Obeidallah | January 6, 2015 | THE DAILY BEAST
The actor showed tremendous range in the role, bouncing between his wacky stand-up persona and gentler dramatic work.
Robin Williams's Greatest Moments on Stage and Screen (Video) | The Daily Beast Video | August 12, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
The ringlets had been allowed to fall out and in their place was a gentler, Farrah Fawcett-style wave.
Why Kate's Hair Matters | Tom Sykes | July 3, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Sobriety brought a new, kinder, and gentler Womack, who often expressed remorse and regret over his past offenses.
Bobby Womack’s Sexual Democracy: The Late Soul Legend Preached Mutual Pleasure | David Masciotra | June 29, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Moore is famously amiable and social-media savvy, and he takes a gentler and more sophisticated tone than his predecessor.
Southern Baptists Take Baby Steps Away from the Culture Wars | Ruth Graham | June 14, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST

He rules with a gentler sway than many who are accustomed to other methods of command would believe possible.
Fifty Years of Railway Life in England, Scotland and Ireland | Joseph Tatlow
Christianity is the embodiment of the gentler graces; paganism, in its purest form, that of the sterner virtues.
The Catacombs of Rome | William Henry Withrow
They soon found that it would have been wise to propose a gentler censure.
The History of England from the Accession of James II. | Thomas Babington Macaulay
Beyond, is a very excellent school for girls as well as infants of the gentler sex.
Our Churches and Chapels | Atticus
A new spirit also had come into Parpon's eyes, gentler, less weird, less distant.
When Valmond Came to Pontiac, Complete | Gilbert Parker

British Dictionary definitions for gentle

gentle

/ (ˈdʒɛntəl) /

adjective

having a mild or kindly nature or character
soft or temperate; mild; moderate: a gentle scolding

gradual: a gentle slope
easily controlled; tame: a gentle horse
archaic of good breeding; noble: gentle blood
archaic gallant; chivalrous

verb(tr)

to tame or subdue (a horse)
to appease or mollify

obsolete to ennoble or dignify

noun

a maggot, esp when used as bait in fishing
archaic a person who is of good breeding

Origin of gentle

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

Derived forms of gentle

gently, adverb

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

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