Having a considerate or kindly disposition
“He was a gentle man who would not hurt a fly.”
Mild in effect or degree
“She heard his gentle and comforting voice call out to her.”
(of a slope) Gradual, not steep
“He had no trouble riding his bike up the gentle slope.”
Low in volume
“She was a shy person who spoke with a gentle tone.”
(of an animal) Tame or domesticated
“Her pet dog was gentle and loved playing with children.”
(archaic, of a person) Having the characteristics attributed to noble birth
“My guests were gentle folk with a refined etiquette.”
Of or pertaining to pacifism
Denotes kindness and generosity
Of or pertaining to a maiden
Acting or done at leisure
Not able or likely to cause harm
Serving to alleviate a person's feelings of grief or distress
Giving comfort, or calming in nature
In detail, describing each step precisely and in order
Cautious and patient
Humble in position or status
Suitable for a royal court
Slow to reveal emotion or opinions
Dreamy and unaware of one's surroundings, for example because one is in love
Inactive, quiet, at rest
Easily anxious or frightened
Very fine in texture or structure, especially of intricate workmanship or quality
Very small in amount, level or degree
Relating to or characteristic of women or female animals
In a state of comfort and relaxation
Lacking physical strength, especially as a result of age or illness
Having an even surface with no roughness, bumps, or holes
To make or become gentle
“She was a loud and rambunctious woman but she would always gentle her tone around children.”
To touch with the intention of having a calming effect
“The first thing a trainer must learn is how to gentle a horse.”
To assuage the agitation or anger of (someone)
“He bought his irate wife a Louis Vuitton handbag to gentle her after he had forgotten their anniversary.”
(archaic) To make someone a member of the nobility
To make less powerful or intense, thereby easier to control
To tame (an animal) and keep it as a pet or on a farm
(archaic) A person of high birth
“A commoner merits the same kindness and respect as one would accord to a gentle.”
Related Words and Phrases
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