GENTLE Definition & Meaning

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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

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Derived Forms

ˈ��Գٱ��, adverb

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Other 51�Թ� Forms

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

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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

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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

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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.

Kilmer’s gentle, introspective view of his artwork is especially stirring when remembering that, for many years, the actor was more famous for his reputation as a menace on film sets than for his performances.

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They also suggest avoiding caffeine, alcohol or large meals before bed, doing gentle exercise and trying to make your bedroom more comfortable, where possible.

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Ten days ago he posted a video on social media of him having a gentle bowl in the nets.

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“Lisa was a kind and gentle soul, whose brilliance, creativity, resilience and empathy, illuminated the lives of her family, friends and fans alike,” the announcement on Smith’s website said.

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For a fast bowler, he was an incredibly gentle character.

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