DictionaryRoot: gens
Latin
gens
family, clan, or people
Forms
- gens
- gent- — The longer form used before Latin endings.
Origin
From the ancient Indo-European birth family also represented in Latin gignere.
Note
Shared descent supplied the organizing idea, whether literal or claimed.
5 / 6
adjective / verb
gentle
JEN-tul/ˈdʒentl/
Being or making mild, calm, or free from harshness.
Etymology
Family or clan membership came to imply noble birth, then the courteous and kind behavior expected of nobility. That behavioral meaning broadened into mildness and lack of harshness, even in things or forces.