gentle
gentle
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "gentle" is /ˈdʒen.təl/.
gen: /ˈdʒen/
tle: /təl/
Word Form Variations
Adjective: gentle, gentler (comparative), gentlest (superlative)
Verb: gentle (base form), gentles (third person singular present), gentled (past tense, past participle), gentling (present participle)
Noun: gentleness (singular), (no common plural for this sense)
Adverb: gently
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective
Gentle
Having or showing a mild, kind, or tender temperament or character; not harsh or severe.
Synonyms: kind, mild, tender, soft, compassionate, amiable, benevolent
Antonyms: harsh, rough, severe, cruel, abrupt, violent
Not extreme or sudden; moderate or gradual.
Synonyms: mild, moderate, gradual, subtle, light, easy
Antonyms: extreme, sudden, abrupt, harsh, strong
(Of birth or breeding) noble or high-born. (Archaic)
Synonyms: noble, aristocratic, high-born, genteel
Antonyms: common, lowly, humble, plebeian
Verb
Gentle
To make (someone or something) milder or tamer; to pacify or soothe.
Synonyms: soothe, pacify, calm, tame, mollify, soften
Antonyms: agitate, provoke, rouse, excite, inflame
To treat with great care or tenderness.
Synonyms: handle carefully, caress, nurture
Antonyms: mishandle, roughly treat, abuse
Noun
Gentleness
The quality of being gentle; kindness, mildness, or tenderness.
Synonyms: kindness, mildness, tenderness, compassion, benevolence, meekness
Antonyms: harshness, severity, cruelty, abruptness, violence
Adverb
Gently
In a gentle manner; softly, carefully, or kindly.
Synonyms: softly, carefully, tenderly, mildly, delicately, kindly
Antonyms: harshly, roughly, severely, violently, abruptly
Examples of Use
Books
Children's Books: Many stories describe characters as "gentle giants" or animals as "gentle pets." "The gentle bear loved to play with the forest creatures."
Non-fiction (Parenting/Self-help): Authors advocate for "gentle parenting" techniques or a "gentle approach to discipline" (Simon & Schuster, March 2024). Books on meditation might suggest "gentle breathing exercises."
Fiction: Characters might have a "gentle smile," feel a "gentle breeze," or be described as having a "gentle nature."
Newspapers
Lifestyle/Health Sections: Articles often recommend "gentle exercises" for recovery or "gentle skincare routines" for sensitive skin. "Doctors advise gentle stretches for back pain" (The Daily Herald, June 2025).
News Articles: Reports on natural phenomena might describe a "gentle rain" or a "gentle rise in temperature." Political analyses might discuss a leader's "gentle persuasion."
Obituaries: Often describe the deceased as having a "gentle spirit" or a "gentle soul."
Online Publications
Beauty Blogs/E-commerce: Products are often marketed as "gentle on skin" or "gentle for sensitive hair." "Discover the best gentle cleansers for acne-prone skin."
Wellness/Yoga Websites: These sites offer guides for "gentle yoga flows" or "gentle stretches for beginners."
Pet Care Blogs: Many articles provide tips on training a puppy with a "gentle hand" or finding a "gentle dog breed."
Social Media: Users might share videos of "gentle giants" (animals) interacting with children or post about moments of "gentle quietude."
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Movies/TV Shows: Characters might speak in a "gentle voice," or a scene might feature a "gentle melody." Narrators often describe a setting with a "gentle light" or a "gentle slope."
Music: Song lyrics frequently use "gentle" to describe love, comfort, or softness. "A gentle touch, a loving embrace."
Video Games: Some games might feature gentle tutorials for new players or environments with gentle terrain. Characters might use a "gentle healing spell."
Documentaries: Nature documentaries often portray animals as "gentle giants" or describe "gentle currents" in the ocean.
ASMR Content: Many ASMR videos aim to create a calming sensation through "gentle whispers" or "gentle tapping sounds."
General Public Discourse
Conversations: In daily speech, people commonly say, "Be gentle with that fragile vase," or "He's a very gentle person." "Take a gentle approach to the problem."
Parenting: Parents instruct children to be "gentle with their pets" or use a "gentle tone of voice."
Workplace: Colleagues might advise a "gentle reminder" about a deadline or suggest a "gentle adjustment to the plan."
Medical Advice: Doctors recommend "gentle exercise" or a "gentle massage."
Figurative Use: "Gentle persuasion" (mild encouragement) or "the gentle art of" (a polite or subtle skill) are common. "He used gentle persuasion to convince them."
10 Quotes Using Gentle
"Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself." (Max Ehrmann, Desiderata)
"Nothing is so strong as gentleness, and nothing is so gentle as real strength." (Saint Francis de Sales)
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15:1)
"A gentle word, a kind look, a good-natured smile can work wonders and accomplish miracles." (William Hazlitt)
"The greatest power is often wielded with a gentle and compassionate hand."
"Be gentle with those who are struggling, for their unseen burdens may be immense."
"A truly gentle spirit possesses an inner calm that endures through all storms."
"True understanding and empathy often emerge from a gentle and open heart."
"He who walks with a gentle step often leaves the most profound and lasting imprint on the world."
"The wisdom of nature teaches us to be both mighty in purpose and gentle in spirit."
Etymology
The word "gentle" comes from the Latin word "gentilis," which meant "of a family or clan," or "of noble birth." This Latin word eventually led to the Old French word "gentil," meaning "noble," "high-born," or "well-bred."
The first known use of "gentle" in English, with the meaning of "well-born" or "of noble family," dates back to the early 13th century. It appeared in texts to describe people of high social standing, who were expected to be courteous and mild in their behavior. Over time, the meaning shifted from the social status itself to the character traits associated with it: kindness, mildness, and a soft touch.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Gentle
Gentle giant: A very large person or animal who is kind and mild-mannered. "Despite his size, the dog was a true gentle giant."
Gentle touch: A soft, light way of handling something; metaphorically, a delicate approach. "She has a gentle touch with children."
Gentle breeze: A light, mild wind. "A gentle breeze rustled the leaves."
Gentle reminder: A polite way to remind someone about something, without being harsh. "Just a gentle reminder that the deadline is Friday."
Gentle persuasion: Mild and kind encouragement used to convince someone. "He used gentle persuasion to get her to try the new food."
Gentle approach: A mild or careful method to deal with a situation. "The therapist recommended a gentle approach to conflict resolution."
Gentle soul: A kind, compassionate, and benevolent person. "He was known throughout the community as a truly gentle soul."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of gentle from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
