gentle

[jen-tl]

adjective

gentler, gentlest 

1. kindly; amiable.

   a gentle manner.

   Synonyms: merciful, lenient, humane, tender, soothing, pacific, peaceful, clement
   Antonyms: cruel, harsh

2. not severe, rough, or violent; mild.

   a gentle wind;

   a gentle tap on the shoulder.

   Antonyms: sudden, violent

3. moderate.

   gentle heat.

   Synonyms: temperate

4. gradual.

   a gentle slope.

5. of good birth or family; wellborn.

   Synonyms: noble

6. characteristic of good birth; honorable; respectable.

   a gentle upbringing.

7. easily handled or managed; tractable.

   a gentle animal.

   Synonyms: tame, docile, manageable
   Antonyms: unruly, wild

8. soft or low.

   a gentle sound.

9. polite; refined.

   Consider, gentle reader, my terrible predicament at this juncture.

   Synonyms: polished, courteous

10. entitled to a coat of arms; armigerous.

11. Archaic.,  noble; chivalrous.

    a gentle knight.

verb (used with object)

gentled, gentling 

1. to tame; render tractable.

2. to mollify; calm; pacify.

3. to make gentle.

4. to stroke; soothe by petting.

5. to ennoble; dignify.

gentle

/ ˈdʒɛntəl /

adjective

1. having a mild or kindly nature or character

2. soft or temperate; mild; moderate

   a gentle scolding

3. gradual

   a gentle slope

4. easily controlled; tame

   a gentle horse

5. archaic,  of good breeding; noble

   gentle blood

6. archaic,  gallant; chivalrous

verb

1. to tame or subdue (a horse)

2. to appease or mollify

3. obsolete,  to ennoble or dignify

noun

1. a maggot, esp when used as bait in fishing

2. archaic,  a person who is of good breeding

Other Word Forms

• gentleness noun
• gently adverb
• overgentle adjective
• ungentle adjective
• ungentleness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of gentle¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of gentle¹

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

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

Thomas, the gentler of the two, draws most of Ray’s abuse, and it shapes him into a meek and easily frightened being.

From Salon

"They are the ones who ensure dogs are sterilised and vaccinated. They are the ones keeping them gentle."

From BBC

Three boundaries came in his first over and his opening four-over spell cost 56 as he was thrashed to all parts by Markram, who made his lively pace look gentle with effortless, classical hitting.

From BBC

It’s gentler, friendlier, the kind of heat you can fold into a Tuesday dinner without anyone feeling dared.

From Salon

The film has plenty of fight scenes, but its primary focus is outside of the ring, exploring Kerr's gentle nature, his battle with substance abuse, and his complex relationship with Dawn, played by Blunt.

From BBC

Related Words

• calm 
• delicate 
• mellow 
• mild 
• moderate 
• muted 
• placid 
• quiet 
• serene 
• slight 
• slow 
• smooth 
• soft 
• soothing 
• subdued 
• tender 
• tranquil