Gently
/ˈdʒentli/
Definitions
In a gradual or subtle way, with little force or intensity.
/ˈdʒentli/
In a gradual or slight way.
The river flows gently through the valley.
💡 Simply: It's like doing something a little bit at a time, not all at once. Like the sun setting, the color fades gently.
👶 For kids: Doing something a little bit at a time. Like walking down a hill that's not too steep.
More Examples
The temperature rose gently over the course of the day.
He nudged the door gently open.
How It's Used
"The waves crashed gently against the shore."
"The rain fell gently throughout the night."
"The hill sloped gently down to the valley."
Idioms & expressions
Gentle giant
A large person or animal with a kind and gentle disposition.
"The Newfoundland, a gentle giant, was loved by all the children in the neighborhood."
From Middle English gentil, meaning 'noble' or 'well-born,' and evolved to signify a manner befitting nobility, thus 'kindly,' 'tenderly,' and 'softly.' Derived from Old French gentil, from Latin gentilis ('of the same family or clan').
Historically, 'gently' has been used to describe not just physical actions, but also moral qualities, like 'acting gently' towards others.
Memory tip
Picture a gentle slope, slowly descending.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: gen-