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gentle

/ˈdʒɛntəl/
adjective★Beginner
formal

Kind and tender in behavior or manner

The nurse handled the patient with a gentle touch.

The nurse was careful and soft when touching the patient.

💡

Often used to describe actions or people who are considerate and mild.

formal

Not harsh or severe; mild in nature

The gentle breeze made the afternoon pleasant.

The soft wind made the afternoon enjoyable.

💡

Can describe weather, sounds, or other non-human elements.

Collocations

gentle toucha soft and careful touchgentle breezea soft and mild windgentle remindera polite and soft reminder

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

gentle giantphrase
a large person who is actually kind and soft

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

Use 'gentle' to describe people or things that are kind, soft, or mild.

⚡Gold Rule

Context Matters

'Gentle' can describe both people and non-human things, but always implies softness or kindness.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'gentil,' from Old French 'gentil,' from Latin 'gentilis' (of the same family or clan).

📝Usage Notes

Can describe people, actions, or natural elements. Often used to convey kindness and softness.

Word Breakdown

gent
related to family or clan
root
+
-le
suffix indicating manner or quality
suffix
English Dictionary

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