Definition Definition

gentle - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'gentle' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Gentle [ n.]
- One well born; a gentleman.
- A trained falcon. See Falcon-gentil.
- A dipterous larva used as fish bait.
2 . Gentle [ superl.]
- Well-born; of a good family or respectable birth, though not noble.
- Quiet and refined in manners; not rough, harsh, or stern; mild; meek; bland; amiable; tender; as, a gentle nature, temper, or disposition; a gentle manner; a gentle address; a gentle voice.
- A compellative of respect, consideration, or conciliation; as, gentle reader.
- Not wild, turbulent, or refractory; quiet and docile; tame; peaceable; as, a gentle horse.
- Soft; not violent or rough; not strong, loud, or disturbing; easy; soothing; pacific; as, a gentle touch; a gentle gallop .
3 . Gentle [ v. t.]
- To make genteel; to raise from the vulgar; to ennoble.
- To make smooth, cozy, or agreeable.
- To make kind and docile, as a horse.

Meaning of 'gentle' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . gentle [ v]
Meaning (1):
- cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of
Example in sentence:
  • She managed to mollify the angry customer
2 . gentle [ s]
Meaning (2):
- belonging to or characteristic of the nobility or aristocracy
Example in sentence:
  • a blue family;
  • an aristocratic family;
  • aristocratic bearing;
  • aristocratic Bostonians;
  • aristocratic features;
  • aristocratic government;
  • blue blood;
  • of gentle blood;
  • patrician landholders of the American South;
  • patrician tastes;
  • the blue-blooded aristocracy
Meaning (3):
- having little impact
Example in sentence:
  • a gentle breeze;
  • a soft (or light) tapping at the window;
  • an easy pat on the shoulder;
  • gentle rain
Meaning (4):
- quiet and soothing
Example in sentence:
  • a gentle nocturne;
  • a gentle voice
Meaning (5):
- easily handled or managed
Example in sentence:
  • a gentle old horse, docile and obedient
Meaning (6):
- soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe
Example in sentence:
  • a gentle reprimand;
  • a vein of gentle irony;
  • poked gentle fun at him
Meaning (7):
- having or showing a kindly or tender nature
Example in sentence:
  • a gentle sensitive nature;
  • gentle blue eyes;
  • her gentle manner was comforting;
  • the gentle touch of her hand
Meaning (8):
- marked by moderate steepness
Example in sentence:
  • a gentle slope;
  • an easy climb