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Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)Cite This Source
gen·tle    Audio Help   [jen-tl] Pronunciation Key adjective, -tler, -tlest, verb, -tled, -tling.
–adjective
1.kindly; amiable: a gentle manner.
2.not severe, rough, or violent; mild: a gentle wind; a gentle tap on the shoulder.
3.moderate: gentle heat.
4.gradual: a gentle slope.
5.of good birth or family; wellborn.
6.characteristic of good birth; honorable; respectable: a gentle upbringing.
7.easily handled or managed; tractable: a gentle animal.
8.soft or low: a gentle sound.
9.polite; refined: Consider, gentle reader, my terrible predicament at this juncture.
10.entitled to a coat of arms; armigerous.
11.Archaic. noble; chivalrous: a gentle knight.
–verb (used with object)
12.to tame; render tractable.
13.to mollify; calm; pacify.
14.to make gentle.
15.to stroke; soothe by petting.
16.to ennoble; dignify.
[Origin: 1175–1225; ME gentle, gentil(e) < OF gentil highborn, noble < L gentīlis belonging to the same family, equiv. to gent- (s. of géns) gens + -īlis -le]

—Related forms
gen·tle·ness, noun
gently, adverb

—Synonyms 1. clement, peaceful, pacific, soothing; tender, humane, lenient, merciful. Gentle, meek, mild refer to an absence of bad temper or belligerence. Gentle has reference esp. to disposition and behavior, and often suggests a deliberate or voluntary kindness or forbearance in dealing with others: a gentle pat; gentle with children. Meek implies a submissive spirit, and may even indicate undue submission in the face of insult or injustice: meek and even servile or weak. Mild suggests absence of harshness or severity, rather because of natural character or temperament than conscious choice: a mild rebuke; a mild manner. 3. temperate. 5. noble. 7. manageable, docile, tame, quiet. 9. courteous; polished.
—Antonyms 1. harsh, cruel. 2. violent, sudden. 7. wild, unruly.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

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