gently
Americanadverb
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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.
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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.
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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.
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softly; quietly.
He sings beautifully and easily at full voice, yet sounds equally compelling when singing more gently and lyrically.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of gently
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But I’d like to gently intercept your hand on the way there and redirect it toward wherever you keep your vinegar.
From Salon ● Oct. 5, 2026
They gently disturbed the entire atomic chain by changing the lasers at a particular frequency and then measured how strongly the atoms responded.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 1, 2026
Analysts led by Matthew Lofting gently characterized BP’s recent tumultuous history as “chequered” but said the company’s balance sheet improvement means the stock is “no longer a poison pill.”
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 23, 2026
Shatavia Thomas, a therapist in Atlanta who specializes in marriage and family therapy, advises speaking directly and gently to a couple when a request is beyond your means.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026
Henry noticed Kate’s panicked look, and gently removed the upraised glass from her hands.
From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
