Origin: 1175–1225; Middle English gentle, gentil(
e) <
Old French gentil highborn, noble <
Latin gentīlis belonging to the same family, equivalent to
gent- (stem of
gēns)
gens +
-īlis -le Related formsgen·tle·ness, noun
gen·tly, adverb
o·ver·gen·tle, adjective
o·ver·gen·tly, adverb
un·gen·tle, adjective
EXPANDun·gen·tle·ness, noun
un·gen·t·ly, adverb
COLLAPSESynonyms
1. clement, peaceful, pacific, soothing; tender, humane, lenient, merciful. Gentle, meek, mild refer to an absence of bad temper or belligerence. Gentle has reference especially 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.