Word
gently
Phoneticsgen·tly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdʒɛntɫi/
UK/dʒˈɛntli/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01softly or carefully
A2 · Elementary
adv. doing something in a soft or careful way so you do not hurt anyone or break anything.
adv. performing an action with a light touch or minimal pressure to avoid injury or damage.
“He gently placed the sleeping baby in the crib so she wouldn't wake up.”
“The nurse cleaned the wound gently, mindful of the patient's low pain threshold and the fragility of the surrounding skin.”
02gradually or slightly
B1 · Intermediate
adv. moving or changing in a slow, smooth way that is not sudden.
adv. characterised by a moderate or gradual slope, curve, or rate of change.
“The path climbed gently up the hill, making it an easy walk for everyone.”
“The ground sloped gently toward the riverbank, providing an ideal natural drainage system for the newly planted vineyard.”
Synonyms
03kindly or calmly
B1 · Intermediate
adv. speaking or acting in a kind and calm way.
adv. acting with a mild temperament or using a tone that is persuasive rather than forceful.
“She gently reminded him that he had forgotten to call his mother.”
“The teacher corrected the student's mistake gently, ensuring the child felt encouraged to try the exercise again.”
Etymology
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.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/gently