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.
One of the film’s gently witty touches is that, after the collapse of electricity-dependent technology, the Mennonites would hardly have to change their ways.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026
A rescuer gently caressed their heads and offered them biscuits and water, before leading them away to safety.
From Barron's ● Aug. 27, 2026
That intro synth loop is very Whigs v2, in that it feels like it got borrowed from the Twilight Singers, as is the gently hypnotic backbeat and the female vocals.
From Salon ● Aug. 25, 2026
If a figeater beetle ends up in your house, Windbiel-Rojas recommends gently putting it back outside.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 18, 2026
She pats gently and pulls Mom to her feet, leading them around the building.
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
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.
