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View synonyms for

gentle

[ jen-tl ]

adjective

gentler, gentlest.
  1. kindly; amiable:

    a gentle manner.

    Synonyms: , , , , , , ,

    Antonyms: ,

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

    a gentle wind;

    a gentle tap on the shoulder.

    Antonyms: ,

  3. moderate:

    gentle heat.

    Synonyms:

  4. gradual:

    a gentle slope.

  5. of good birth or family; wellborn.

    Synonyms:

  6. characteristic of good birth; honorable; respectable:

    a gentle upbringing.

  7. easily handled or managed; tractable:

    a gentle animal.

    Synonyms: , ,

    Antonyms: ,

  8. soft or low:

    a gentle sound.

  9. polite; refined:

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

    Synonyms: ,

  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

/ ˈɛԳə /

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. to tame or subdue (a horse)
  2. to appease or mollify
  3. obsolete.
    to ennoble or dignify
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a maggot, esp when used as bait in fishing
  2. archaic.
    a person who is of good breeding
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈԳٱ, adverb
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Other Word Forms

  • ·ٱ·Ա noun
  • ·ٱ adverb
  • ···ٱ adjective
  • ܲ··ٱ adjective
  • un··ٱ·Ա noun
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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 Գī “belonging to the same family,” equivalent to gent- (stem of ŧԲ ) gens + -le
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Word History and Origins

Origin of gentle1

C13: from Old French gentil noble, from Latin Գī belonging to the same family; see gens
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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.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

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

“Can you say them?” says Badgley, asking for a gentle reminder when we meet a few days before the episodes are released.

From

He adds: "And these are just gentle creatures. We shouldn't be putting them under this kind of risk of racing. It's unacceptable."

From

He, by contrast, preferred a gentler form of pastoral support.

From

If anything, he was too gentle in pointing out the irony.

From

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