Word Noun
gentleness
n.
uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈdʒɛnəɫnəs/ UK /dʒˈɛntəlnəs/ gen·tle·ness UK spelling gentlenesses
Definition
n.the quality of being kind, soft, and not causing pain or harm. You use this to describe someone who is calm and careful with their actions.
n.the quality of being kind, mild, or soft in manner or touch. Often associated with a lack of harshness or violence.
Examples
“The doctor's gentleness made the child feel safe.”
“Despite his large size, the elephant moved with a surprising gentleness as it approached the water.”
“The poet's gentleness of spirit is evident in the way he treats even the most difficult subjects with a quiet, almost reverent tone.”
Etymology
From Middle English gentilnesse; equivalent to gentle + -ness.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
This entry
Origin Middle English gentilnesse
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated