Gentil: meaning, definitions and examples

💖
Add to dictionary

gentil

 

[ ʒɑ̃.til ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

description of character

Gentil is a term often used to describe someone who is kind, gentle, or amiable. It conveys a sense of grace and affability in a person's manner and approach towards others.

Synonyms

amiable, gentle, gracious, kind.

Examples of usage

  • She has a gentil demeanor that puts everyone at ease.
  • His gentil ways made him a beloved figure in the community.
  • The gentil touch of the nurse calmed the anxious patient.

Translations

Translations of the word "gentil" in other languages:

🇵🇹 доброчесний

🇮🇳 दयालु

🇩🇪 freundlich

🇮🇩 baik hati

🇺🇦 добрий

🇵🇱 uprzejmy

🇯🇵 優しい

🇫🇷 gentil

🇪🇸 amable

🇹🇷 nazik

🇰🇷 친절한

🇸🇦 لطيف

🇨🇿 laskavý

🇸🇰 láskavý

🇨🇳 温柔的

🇸🇮 prijazen

🇮🇸 vinaldur

🇰🇿 жақсы

🇬🇪 მეგობრული

🇦🇿 nazik

🇲🇽 amable

Etymology

The word 'gentil' originates from the Old French term 'gentil,' which was derived from the Latin word 'gentilis,' meaning 'of or belonging to a race or clan.' Over time, the meaning evolved to encompass notions of nobility and elegance. In Middle English, the term became associated with gentleness, particularly in character and behavior. Gentil was used to emphasize the virtues of kindness, gracefulness, and amiability, traits that were highly valued in social interactions. The concept of being 'gentil' was often linked to the ideals of chivalry and courtesy prevalent during the medieval period. Today, while the term is less commonly used in English, it still retains its original essence of kindness and gentleness in social contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,534, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.