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

Instead of colliding violently, the two bodies gently come into contact and fuse, preserving their rounded shapes and creating the familiar snowman form.

From Science Daily

America could have gone a different way in 1984, as Jackson gently let us know that night.

From Salon

It’s a percentage that has very gently increased, not massively because it’s been high for a long time—but it’s gradually increasing.

From The Wall Street Journal

Slumped in a chair moments after losing his light-middleweight world title at the Vale Sport Arena, Cardiff, the Swansea native's wife Emma gently implores her bloodied partner to give up the sport.

From BBC

The machines gently suck out the milk and transfer it to large containers.

From BBC

Related Words

• lightly
• mildly
• smoothly