Origin: 1175–1225; ME
gentle, gentil(
e) < OF
gentil highborn, noble < L
gentīlis belonging to the same family, equiv. to
gent- (s. of
gēns)
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.
[jen-tl] 
adjective, -tler, -tlest, verb, -tled, -tling.