View synonyms for gently

gently

[ jent-lee ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adverb

in a kind and amiable manner:
When a child makes a social mistake, an adult should gently and clearly explain what to do in the future to replace the inappropriate behavior.
in a way that is not rough, harsh, or violent:
New or gently used toys, for both indoor and outdoor use, are requested for donation.
in a way that is not extreme; moderately:
The ground sloped gently downward until it was almost level with the land on the other side of the stream.
softly; quietly:
He sings beautifully and easily at full voice, yet sounds equally compelling when singing more gently and lyrically.

Origin of gently¹

Pages from the Quran fluttered in the air before landing gently on the rubble.

“Gently rolling hills” roll not-so-gently under my tires, but the English countryside scenery is soporific.

Shake off any excess flour and gently place in the heated oil.

Divide the dough in half and very gently pat each half into a round 1-inch-thick disk.

Set a heatproof bowl over a pot of gently simmering water, making sure that the bowl does not touch the surface of the water.

Again the sallow fingers began to play with the book-covers, passing from one to another, but always slowly and gently.

She kept her eyes fixed steadily on his, saying what followed gently, calmly, yet as though another woman spoke the words.

But he put her gently by, saying, "I would rather be here, good Marda;" and went in and locked the door.

We laid him down gently, folded his arms on his breast, and for a moment held our peace in tribute to his passing.

Then, kindly and gently, the boy took Squinty over to the place where the corn crib was built on to the barn.

Browse