gentle

gen-tle · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Having or showing a mild, kind, or tender temperament or character.

  2. 2.

    Moderate in action, effect, or degree; not harsh or severe.

  3. 3.

    (of a slope or curve) Gradual; not steep or abrupt.

  4. 4.

    (archaic) Of noble birth or high social standing.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    gentle giant — a large person or animal with a mild temperament
  • •
    gentle reminder — a polite or tactful reminder
  • •
    gentle touch — a careful, delicate way of handling something
  • •
    be gentle with — to treat carefully or kindly

Related words

Antonyms: fierce, harsh, rough, violent
See also: gently, kind, mild, soft
Synonyms: kind, mild, soft, tender

Etymology

From Old French gentil ("high-born, noble, of good family"), from Latin gentilis ("of the same family or clan"), from gens ("race, clan"). The meaning shifted from "well-born" to "mild-mannered" over time.