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Gentle: meaning, definitions and examples

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gentle

 

[ˈdʒɛnt(ə)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

having or showing a mild, kind, or tender temperament; not harsh or severe

Synonyms

calm, kind, mild, soft, tender.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gentle

Used to describe a person or behavior that is considerate and mild in nature. Often implies care and sensitivity towards others.

  • She has a gentle approach to resolving conflicts
  • The nurse's gentle touch helped the patient feel at ease
kind

Describes someone who is considerate, sympathetic, and willing to help others. Used when emphasizing goodwill and a positive attitude towards others.

  • She is known for her kind heart
  • Thank you for your kind words
tender

Often used to describe compassion, care, or sensitivity towards others. Can also be used to describe something that is delicate or easily damaged.

  • He has a tender spot for animals
  • The meat was cooked to be tender and juicy
mild

Indicates a moderate and gentle intensity, often used in describing weather, flavors, or personality traits.

  • The weather today is quite mild
  • He has a mild manner that makes him approachable
soft

Describes texture or tone that is gentle to the touch or hearing. Can also refer to a lenient or non-forceful attitude.

  • This blanket is so soft
  • She spoke in a soft voice
calm

Refers to a state of being peaceful and free from stress or agitation. Often used in situations where tranquility and steadiness are needed.

  • He remained calm during the emergency
  • The sea was calm that evening

Examples of usage

  • She has a gentle voice that soothes everyone around her.
  • The gentle touch of his hand made her feel safe and loved.
  • He gave her a gentle smile to reassure her.
  • The gentle way he spoke to the children showed his caring nature.
  • The gentle breeze rustled the leaves in the trees.
Context #2 | Adjective

impact

moderate in action, effect, or degree; not strong or violent

Synonyms

light, mild, moderate, soft, subtle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gentle

Often used to describe people or actions that are kind, careful, and not harsh. Can also describe weather or sounds.

  • He has a very gentle manner with children.
  • She gave a gentle push to start the swing.
  • The gentle breeze felt nice on a hot day.
moderate

Used to describe something that is average in amount, intensity, or degree. Often used in contexts like weather, politics, or opinions.

  • Engage in moderate exercise for better health.
  • She holds moderate political views.
  • Temperatures will be moderate this week.
mild

Typically describes weather, flavors, or conditions that are not extreme. Also used to describe personalities that are not overly strong or aggressive.

  • We had a mild winter this year.
  • This salsa is mild, not too spicy.
  • He has a mild temperament and rarely gets angry.
light

Used to describe weight, colors, or intensity. Often refers to things that are not heavy or not intense.

  • She carried a light suitcase.
  • He prefers wearing light colors in the summer.
  • The rainfall was light and didn't last long.
soft

Describes textures, sounds, or materials that are smooth or gentle to touch. Can also refer to people who are considerate or not strict.

  • The pillow feels very soft.
  • She spoke in a soft voice.
  • He's too soft on his students and doesn't enforce rules strictly.
subtle

Used to describe things that are not obvious or are delicate and nuanced. Often refers to art, signals, changes, or humor.

  • The artist used subtle shades of blue.
  • There was a subtle change in her tone.
  • His humor is very subtle, you might miss it if you're not paying attention.

Examples of usage

  • The medication has a gentle effect on the body without causing any side effects.
  • He gave a gentle push to help her start moving.
  • The gentle slope of the hill made it easy to climb.
  • The gentle rain soaked the ground slowly and steadily.
  • The gentle heat of the sun warmed their faces.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'gentilis,' meaning 'of the same clan or family.' This reflects the idea of being kind and inclusive.
  • In Old French, 'gentil' described noble or delicate qualities, linking gentleness to kindness and refinement.
  • The transition into Middle English maintained the gentle nature, often connected to gentle behavior and manners.

Psychology

  • Studies show that gentle interactions can build trust and strengthen relationships, making kindness a powerful tool in communication.
  • Gentle approaches in therapy encourage openness and vulnerability, leading to more effective healing processes.
  • Research indicates that being gentle with oneself can reduce anxiety and self-criticism, promoting better mental health.

Nature

  • Many animals exhibit gentle behaviors, such as elephants being careful when interacting with their young or other creatures.
  • Gentle rain is crucial for plants and ecosystems, providing necessary moisture without causing damage.
  • Gentle winds often create calm atmospheres, influencing weather patterns and the behavior of wildlife.

Literature

  • In various fairy tales, gentle characters often embody kindness and wisdom, leading to peaceful resolutions.
  • Classic literature often contrasts gentle figures against harsh ones, emphasizing the strength of compassion over aggression.
  • Poets frequently describe gentle emotions and actions as beautiful, highlighting their importance in human experience.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, gentleness is associated with femininity and nurturing, often celebrated in rituals and storytelling.
  • Gentle philosophies like Buddhism encourage compassion and non-violence, promoting peace in society.
  • Songs and poems about gentleness are prevalent in various cultures, underscoring its universal appeal as a virtue.

Translations

Translations of the word "gentle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 gentil

🇮🇳 सौम्य

🇩🇪 sanft

🇮🇩 lembut

🇺🇦 ніжний

🇵🇱 delikatny

🇯🇵 優しい (yasashii)

🇫🇷 doux

🇪🇸 suave

🇹🇷 nazik

🇰🇷 부드러운 (budeureoun)

🇸🇦 لطيف (lateef)

🇨🇿 jemný

🇸🇰 jemný

🇨🇳 温柔 (wēnróu)

🇸🇮 nežen

🇮🇸 blíður

🇰🇿 жұмсақ

🇬🇪 თბილი (tbili)

🇦🇿 incə

🇲🇽 suave

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,817, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.