Gentle

/ˈdʒɛntl̩/ · adjective

Meaning

Tender and amiable; of a considerate or kindly disposition..

Definitions by Sense

1. Tender and amiable; of a considerate or kindly disposition.
2. Soft and mild rather than hard or severe.
3. Docile and easily managed.
4. Gradual rather than steep or sudden.
5. Polite and respectful rather than rude.
6. (archaic) Well-born; of a good family or respectable birth, though not noble.
7. (intransitive) To become gentle.
8. (transitive, obsolete) To ennoble.

Example Sentences

Stuart is a gentle man; he would never hurt you.

I felt something touch my shoulder; it was gentle and a little slimy.

Here the stripped panelling was warmly gold and the pictures, mostly of the English school, were mellow and gentle in the afternoon light.

Raj took a deep breath, and reached out to give Armitage the gentlest little stroke. “It’s nippy out. Let’s take him inside.”

As for daytime sun protection, Dr. Bowe said mineral sunscreens made with zinc oxide may be gentler on sensitized skin than chemical formulas.

We had a gentle swim in the lake.

a gentle horse

The walks in this area have a gentle incline.

Synonyms for gentle

Antonyms for gentle

Related Words

Word Forms

• gentler
• more gentle
• gentlest
• most gentle
• gentles
• gentling
• gentled

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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