View synonyms for gentle

gentle

[ jen-tl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

gentler, gentlest.

kindly; amiable:
a gentle manner.
Synonyms: merciful, lenient, humane, tender, soothing, pacific, peaceful, clement
Antonyms: cruel, harsh
not severe, rough, or violent; mild:
a gentle wind;
a gentle tap on the shoulder.
Antonyms: sudden, violent
moderate:
gentle heat.
Synonyms: temperate
gradual:
a gentle slope.
of good birth or family; wellborn.
Synonyms: noble
characteristic of good birth; honorable; respectable:
a gentle upbringing.
easily handled or managed; tractable:
a gentle animal.
Synonyms: tame, docile, manageable
Antonyms: unruly, wild
soft or low:
a gentle sound.
polite; refined:
Consider, gentle reader, my terrible predicament at this juncture.
Synonyms: polished, courteous
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

/ ˈdʒɛntəl /

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

ˈgently, adverb

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Other Words From

gen·tle·ness noun
gen·tly adverb
o·ver·gen·tle adjective
un·gen·tle adjective
un·gen·tle·ness 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 gentīlis “belonging to the same family,” equivalent to gent- (stem of gēns ) gens + -īlis -le

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Word History and Origins

Origin of gentle¹

C13: from Old French gentil noble, from Latin gentīlis 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

One person in downtown L.A. felt a long but gentle shake.

From Los Angeles Times

“People want something that gives them a sense of embodied spirituality and cacao is so gentle, you can’t even say there are side effects.”

From Los Angeles Times

In a TikTok video, Ariana Grande urges people to ‘be gentler’ and refrain from commenting on people’s bodies after seeing ‘concerns’ about her own.

From Los Angeles Times

Now Kasibba lives in the community with the help of support workers, who engage with her and communicate with gentle touches, gestures and clear language.

From BBC

Mr Francis witnessed his community change and said his "placid and gentle" father became angry because of "what was at stake".

From BBC

Related Words

gentisic acid gentle breeze

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