gently
- 01 A2 Elementary
doing something in a soft or careful way so you do not hurt anyone or break anything.
performing an action with a light touch or minimal pressure to avoid injury or damage.
Simple“He gently placed the sleeping baby in the crib so she wouldn't wake up.”
In context“The nurse cleaned the wound gently, mindful of the patient's low pain threshold and the fragility of the surrounding skin.”
- 02 B1 Intermediate
moving or changing in a slow, smooth way that is not sudden.
characterised by a moderate or gradual slope, curve, or rate of change.
Simple“The path climbed gently up the hill, making it an easy walk for everyone.”
In context“The ground sloped gently toward the riverbank, providing an ideal natural drainage system for the newly planted vineyard.”
- 03 B1 Intermediate
speaking or acting in a kind and calm way.
acting with a mild temperament or using a tone that is persuasive rather than forceful.
Simple“She gently reminded him that he had forgotten to call his mother.”
In context“The teacher corrected the student's mistake gently, ensuring the child felt encouraged to try the exercise again.”
From Middle English gentilly, gentlych, gentilliche, equivalent to gentle + -ly, with *-lely simplified to -ly by haplology.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.