ENGLISH
REFERENCE

gentle

adj.
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ˈdʒɛnəɫ// UK //dʒˈɛntəl// gen·tle Archaic General-service

adj. soft, mild, or kind in how you act or speak. You use this to describe someone who is careful not to hurt or upset others.

adj. characterised by a mild, kind, or soft temperament; not harsh, violent, or loud. Often describes physical touch, weather, or a person's character.


SIMPLE

Be gentle with the new puppy.

CONTEXTUAL

The nurse was very gentle when she cleaned the wound to make sure the patient felt no pain.

COMPLEX

A gentle breeze stirred the leaves of the ancient oaks, providing a welcome relief from the stagnant heat of the afternoon sun without disturbing the quiet of the garden.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English gentil (“courteous, noble”), from Old French gentil (“high-born, noble”), from Latin gentilis (“of the same family or clan”), from gens (“[Roman] clan”). Doublet of gentile, genteel, and jaunty.

Usage

Typically precedes the noun it modifies or follows a linking verb like 'be' or 'seem'.

Idioms3 entries

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