— gentleness , n. — gently , adv.
/jen"tl/ , adj., gentler, gentlest , v. , gentled, gentling .
adj.
1. kindly; amiable: a gentle manner.
2. not severe, rough, or violent; mild: a gentle wind; a gentle tap on the shoulder.
3. moderate: gentle heat.
4. gradual: a gentle slope.
5. of good birth or family; wellborn.
6. characteristic of good birth; honorable; respectable: a gentle upbringing.
7. easily handled or managed; tractable: a gentle animal.
8. soft or low: a gentle sound.
9. polite; refined: Consider, gentle reader, my terrible predicament at this juncture.
10. entitled to a coat of arms; armigerous.
11. Archaic. noble; chivalrous: a gentle knight.
v.t.
12. to tame; render tractable.
13. to mollify; calm; pacify.
14. to make gentle.
15. to stroke; soothe by petting.
16. to ennoble; dignify.
[ 1175-1225; ME gentle, gentil ( e ) gentil highborn, noble gentilis belonging to the same family, equiv. to gent- (s. of gens ) GENS + -ilis -LE ]
Syn. 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.
Ant. 1. harsh, cruel. 2. violent, sudden. 7. wild, unruly.