GENTLE Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

gentle

[ jen-tl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

gentler, gentlest.

kindly; amiable:
a gentle manner.
Synonyms: , , , , , , ,
Antonyms: ,
not severe, rough, or violent; mild:
a gentle wind;
a gentle tap on the shoulder.
Antonyms: ,
moderate:
gentle heat.
Synonyms:
gradual:
a gentle slope.
of good birth or family; wellborn.
Synonyms:
characteristic of good birth; honorable; respectable:
a gentle upbringing.
easily handled or managed; tractable:
a gentle animal.
Synonyms: , ,
Antonyms: ,
soft or low:
a gentle sound.
polite; refined:
Consider, gentle reader, my terrible predicament at this juncture.
Synonyms: ,
entitled to a coat of arms; armigerous.
Archaic. noble; chivalrous:
a gentle knight.

verb (used with object)

gentled, gentling.

to tame; render tractable.
to mollify; calm; pacify.
to make gentle.
to stroke; soothe by petting.
to ennoble; dignify.

gentle

/ ˈ��ɛ�Գ�ə�� /

adjective

having a mild or kindly nature or character
soft or temperate; mild; moderate
a gentle scolding
gradual
a gentle slope
easily controlled; tame
a gentle horse
archaic.
of good breeding; noble
gentle blood
archaic.
gallant; chivalrous

verb

to tame or subdue (a horse)
to appease or mollify
obsolete.
to ennoble or dignify

noun

a maggot, esp when used as bait in fishing
archaic.
a person who is of good breeding

Discover More

Derived Forms

ˈ��Գٱ��, adverb

Discover More

Other 51�Թ� Forms

��·�ٱ��·�Ա�� noun
��·�ٱ�� adverb
��·��·��·�ٱ�� adjective
�ܲ�·��·�ٱ�� adjective
un·��·�ٱ��·�Ա�� noun

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of gentle¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English gentle, gentil(e), from Old French gentil “highborn, noble,” from Latin ��Գ�ī�� “belonging to the same family,” equivalent to gent- (stem of ��ŧ�Բ� ) gens + -ī�� -le

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of gentle¹

C13: from Old French gentil noble, from Latin ��Գ�ī�� belonging to the same family; see gens

Discover More

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.

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

“It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue” felt like a gentle croon as compared to the frantic desperation of the original, but still felt decisive.

From

Speaking of May, she said: "It wasn't until later that I really began to realise how important she was because to me she was very nice, very gentle aunt."

From

The rally felt like a 1960s-style sit-in with attendees singing along to a gentle rendition of Woody Guthrie's This Land is Your Land.

From

Some can be gentle and tender, attuned to the rhythms of the everyday.

From

While he describes a polite, gentle and compassionate man, Archbishop Gallagher also said Pope Francis knew his own mind and often defied the advice of those around him.

From

Related 51�Թ�s

gentisic acid gentle breeze

Browse