gently

[jent-lee]

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.

Other Word Forms

• overgently adverb
• ungently adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of gently¹

gentl(e) ( def. ) + -y ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

"We can therefore explain why some viscous magmas flow out gently instead of exploding, despite their high gas content -- a riddle that's been puzzling us for a long time," says Bachmann.

Read more on Science Daily

We see Ella Fitzgerald at New York’s Basin Street East in the mid-1950s; her eyes closed, she gently leans into a microphone that she caresses with both hands.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

This has happened once before, and it didn’t end gently for investors.

Read more on Barron's

The incongruous scene, with veiled women clinking glasses, signals the changes under way and in the conservative kingdom, home to Islam's holiest sites, as deep-seated taboos are gently prodded.

Read more on Barron's

Ama tries to mirror the finger spelling, and Autumn gently corrects her.

Read more on Literature

Related Words

• lightly 
• mildly 
• smoothly www.thesaurus.com