adjective / verb
gentle
JEN-tul/ˈdʒentl/
Being or making mild, calm, or free from harshness.
The person's gentle hands cradle the calm kitten without squeezing it.
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.
In context
it, warm and pink, and glowing, and the faded blue cushions turned to the color of old roses, and Mr. Trowan's kind old face opposite was lit up ruddy and gentle
More examples
- Wash the sweater on a gentle cycle.
- A gentle breeze moves the curtains.
- The trainer gentles the nervous horse with slow, careful strokes.
Forms
gentle · gentler · gentlest · gentles · gentled · gentling
gently adverb — In a mild, careful, or soothing way.
gentleness noun — The quality of being mild or tender.