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Added 9 October 2026

gentle

/ˈd͡ʒɛn.tl̩/ verb

In Latin: lēnis Wiktionary

verb Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about gentle at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of.
She managed to mollify the angry customer
Give a title to someone; make someone a member of the nobility.
Stroke soothingly.

adjective

Soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe.
a gentle reprimand
Having or showing a kindly or tender nature.
the gentle touch of her hand
Quiet and soothing.
a gentle voice

Origin

From Middle English gentil (“courteous, noble”), from Old French gentil (“high-born, noble”), from Latin gentilis (“of the same family or clan”), from gens (“[Roman] clan”). Doublet of gentile, genteel, and jaunty.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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