gentle
Tender and amiable; of a considerate or kindly disposition.
Word facts
Definition of Gentle
Soft and mild rather than hard or severe.
Example sentences
Stuart is a gentle man; he would never hurt you.
I felt something touch my shoulder; it was gentle and a little slimy.
Using Gentle well
A closer look at how gentle is used — meaning in plain English, how close synonyms differ, and examples at different levels.
Mild, soft, and careful — not rough, harsh, or forceful.
Use it for a soft, kind, or mild manner of acting, touching, or speaking, and for things that are not harsh or intense. It carries warmth and care.
Common in descriptions of people, care instructions, and product copy (a gentle person, gentle on skin, a gentle reminder).
Do not confuse 'gentle' (mild, soft) with 'genteel' (polite in an refined, upper-class way). A gentle voice is soft; a genteel manner is well-bred and mannered.
- mild
- cooler and more neutral; stresses low intensity rather than warmth or kindness
- soft
- more about texture or quietness; overlaps with gentle but lacks the sense of considerate manner
- tender
- warmer and more emotional — implies affection and deep care
- soothing
- focuses on the calming effect on someone, not just a mild manner
- delicate
- adds a sense of fragility or fineness; suggests careful handling is needed
- harsh
- strong opposite — rough, severe, and unkind
- rough
- opposite in touch or manner; forceful and not careful
- forceful
- opposite in energy — pushing hard rather than acting softly
- severe
- opposite in tone — strict and unsparing
- Beginner She gave the puppy a gentle pat on the head.
- In writing His gentle tone put the nervous new student at ease.
- Advanced The essay offers a gentle critique — pointed enough to land, but never wounding.
A 'gentle' touch is what a gentle-man was meant to have: soft and considerate.
Synonyms for Gentle
Related words
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Words that rhyme with Gentle
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FAQ
Questions people ask
What does gentle mean?
Tender and amiable; of a considerate or kindly disposition. It is an adjective.
How many syllables does gentle have?
Gentle has 2 syllables: jehn·tuhl. The word is broken into 2 spoken beats.
What part of speech is gentle?
Gentle is used as an adjective. As a verb, it describes an action or state.
What are synonyms for gentle?
Words with similar meanings to gentle include docile, light, soft, assuage. The best synonym depends on the exact context you are writing or reading in.
How do you use gentle in a sentence?
Example: "Stuart is a gentle man; he would never hurt you."