gently

gent-ly · adverb

imported

Definitions

adverb

  1. 1.

    In a gentle, mild, or tender manner; with care and without force.

  2. 2.

    Softly or quietly.

  3. 3.

    Gradually or slowly, without sudden changes.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    gently does it — encouragement to proceed carefully
  • •
    handle gently — to treat with care
  • •
    ease gently into — to start something gradually

Related words

Antonyms: forcefully, harshly, roughly, violently
See also: carefully, gentle, softly, tenderly
Synonyms: delicately, mildly, softly, tenderly

Etymology

From Middle English gentelly, from Old French gentil ("noble, well-born") + -ly. The sense evolved from "nobly" to "kindly, softly."