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   gentle

   /ˈdʒɛntl/

   adjective

   • 1. having or showing a mild, kind, or tender temperament or character: "a gentle, sensitive man" Similar kindkindlytenderbenignhumanelenientmercifulforgivingforbearingsympatheticconsiderateunderstandingclementcompassionatebenevolentkind-heartedtender-heartedgood-naturedsweet-temperedlovingmildsoftquietshydemuremodesthumbleretiringunassumingstilltranquilpeacefulpeaceablepacificplacidserenereposefulreverentmeekdocilelamblikedove-likeOpposite unkindbrutal
   • 2. moderate in action, effect, or degree; not strong or violent: "take some gentle exercise" Similar lightsoftzephyr-likemoderatepleasantOpposite strong
   • ▪ (of a slope) gradual: "a gentle embankment" Similar gradualslighteasyimperceptibleOpposite steep
   • 3. (of a person) noble or having the qualities attributed to noble birth; courteous and chivalrous. archaic Similar aristocraticnobletitledupper-classblue-bloodedhigh-bornwell bornpatricianeliteborn with a silver spoon in one's mouthsilver-spooninformal:poshupper-crustupmarkettop-drawerOpposite low

   verb

   • 1. make or become gentle: "Cobb's tone gentled a little"
   • ▪ touch (a person or animal) gently, typically in order to make them calmer or more docile.

   Word Origin Middle English: from Old French gentil ‘high-born, noble’, from Latin gentilis ‘of the same clan’ (see gentile). The original sense was ‘nobly born’, hence ‘courteous, chivalrous’, later ‘mild, moderate in action or disposition’ (mid 16th century).

   Scrabble Points: 7

   • G

     2

   • E

     1

   • N

     1

   • T

     1

   • L

     1

   • E

     1

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