gentle

¹gen·tle

adj \ˈjen-t^əl\

gen·tler\ˈjent-lər, -t^əl-ər\gen·tlest\ˈjent-ləst, -t^əl-əst\

Definition of GENTLE

1

a : belonging to a family of high social station b archaic : chivalrous c : honorable, distinguished; specifically : of or relating to a gentleman d : kind, amiable —used especially in address as a complimentary epithet <gentle reader> e : suited to a person of high social station

2

a : tractable, docile b : free from harshness, sternness, or violence

3

: soft, delicate

4

: moderate

— gent·ly \ˈjent-lē\ adverb

Examples of GENTLE

1. a dog that is gentle with children
2. Your mother has a gentle manner.
3. a gentle sense of humor
4. I heard a gentle knock at the door.
5. It's a delicate problem that requires gentle handling.
6. The job requires a gentle touch.
7. The cold snap was a gentle reminder that winter was coming.

Origin of GENTLE

Middle English gentil, from Anglo-French, from Latin gentilis of a gens, of one's family, from gent-, gens gens, nation; akin to Latin gignere to beget — more at kin

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to GENTLE

Synonyms: balmy, benign, bland, delicate, light, mellow, mild, nonabrasive, soft, soothing, tender

Antonyms: abrasive, caustic, coarse, hard, harsh, rough, scathing, stern, ungentle

Related Words: calm, pacific, peaceful, placid, quiet, serene, tranquil; clement, compassionate, easy, lenient, merciful; buffering, cushioning, emollient, softening; sleek, slick, smooth

Near Antonyms: exquisite, fierce, intense, powerful, severe; forceful, forcible, savage, violent; roughened, rugged, strong; abrading, irritating, roughening; grim, gruff, rude, stiff; heavy-handed, oppressive, pitiless, tyrannical (also tyrannic)

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Rhymes with GENTLE

cental, dental, dentil, lentil, mental, rental