Gentle Meaning
/ˈdʒɛntl̩/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjTender and amiable; of a considerate or kindly disposition.
adjSoft and mild rather than hard or severe.
Sentence Examples
In his school days he wasn't as gentle as he is now.
At first sight, he seemed kind and gentle.
It was a story full of gentle humour.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ nurse carefully bandaged the patient's deep wound to stop the bleeding.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The ____ summer breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming jasmine through the open window.
Word Origin & History
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.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Here the stripped panelling was warmly gold and the pictures, mostly of the English school, were mellow and gentle in the afternoon light."
— 1963, Margery Allingham, chapter 3, in The China Governess: A Mystery, London: Chatto & Windus, →OCLC:
"Raj took a deep breath, and reached out to give Armitage the gentlest little stroke. “It’s nippy out. Let’s take him inside.”"
— 2012, David Walliams [pseudonym; David Edward Williams], Ratburger, London: HarperCollins Children’s Books, →ISBN:
"As for daytime sun protection, Dr. Bowe said mineral sunscreens made with zinc oxide may be gentler on sensitized skin than chemical formulas."
— 2023 December 6, Jessica DeFino, “Too Many Products Can Stress Out Your Skin. Here’s How to Scale Back.”, in The New York Times:
""You are of gentle blood," she said […]"
— 1822, [Walter Scott], Peveril of the Peak. […], volume (please specify |volume=I to IV), Edinburgh: […] Archibald Constable and Co.; London: Hurst, Robinson, and Co., →OCLC:
"the studies wherein our noble and gentle youth ought to bestow their time"
— [1644], [John Milton], Of Education. To Master Samuel Hartlib, [London]: […] [Thomas Underhill and/or Thomas Johnson], →OCLC:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ nurse carefully bandaged the patient's deep wound to stop the bleeding.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The ____ summer breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming jasmine through the open window.