Gentle
ˈdʒɛntl
Definitions
2 meaningsHaving a mild, kind, or tender nature or behavior; not harsh or severe.
ˈdʒɛntl
Having a mild, kind, or tender nature.
The gentle breeze rustled the leaves.
💡 Simply: Imagine a friendly puppy that's really sweet and doesn't bite or jump too much. That's gentle! It means being kind, soft, and easy to handle.
👶 For kids: Nice and kind, like a soft hug or a quiet voice.
More Examples
She had a gentle nature and was kind to everyone.
He spoke in a gentle tone, trying to calm her down.
The doctor gave the patient a gentle examination.
How It's Used
"The therapist encouraged a gentle approach with the anxious patient."
"She had a gentle touch when grooming her horse."
To treat or handle someone or something in a mild or careful way; to soften or ease.
ˈdʒɛntl
To make something less harsh or severe.
She gently stroked the cat's fur.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're smoothing out a crumpled piece of paper. You're gently fixing it to make it better, kinder, or less harsh.
👶 For kids: To be careful and kind when you touch or do something.
More Examples
The teacher gently corrected the student's mistake.
He tried to gently persuade her to change her mind.
The chef gently folded the ingredients together.
How It's Used
"The artist gently blended the colors on the canvas."
"The nurse gently applied the bandage to the wound."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
gentle giant
A person or animal that is physically large but has a kind and gentle nature.
"Despite his size, he was a gentle giant who would never hurt anyone."
gentle art
often used to refer to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
"Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is known as the gentle art because it is often taught using soft methods of applying force."
From Old French gentil, meaning 'high-born, noble,' later evolving to mean 'kind, mild.' Derived from Latin gentilis, meaning 'belonging to a family or clan'.
The word 'gentle' has been used in English since the late 13th century, initially referring to nobility and good breeding before evolving to describe kind behavior.
Memory tip
Think of a *gentle* breeze - soft, calming, and pleasant.
Word Origin
"belonging to a family or clan"