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   Gen·tle

   /ˈjen(t)əl/

   

   adjective

   • 1. having or showing a mild, kind, or tender temperament or character: "he was a gentle, sensitive man" Similar kindkindlytenderbenignhumanelenientmercifulforgivingforbearingsympatheticconsiderateunderstandingclementcompassionatebenevolentkindheartedtenderheartedgood-naturedsweet-temperedlovingmildsoftquietshydemuremodesthumbleretiringunassumingstilltranquilpeacefulpeaceablepacificplacidserenereposefulreverentmeekdocilelamblikedove-likeOpposite unkindbrutal
   • 2. moderate in action, effect, or degree; not harsh or severe: "a gentle breeze" Similar lightsoftzephyr-likemoderatepleasantOpposite strong
   • ▪ (of a slope) gradual: "a gentle embankment" Similar gradualslighteasyimperceptibleOpposite steep
   • 3. (of a person) noble or having the qualities attributed to noble birth; courteous and chivalrous. archaic Similar aristocraticnobletitledupper-classblue-bloodedhigh-bornwell bornpatricianeliteborn with a silver spoon in one's mouthsilver-spooninformal:poshupper-crustupmarkettop-drawerOpposite low

   verb

   • 1. make or become gentle; calm or pacify: "Cobb's tone gentled a little"
   • ▪ make (an animal) docile by gentle handling: "a bird that has been gentled enough to sit on the hand"

   Word Origin Middle English: from Old French gentil ‘high-born, noble’, from Latin gentilis ‘of the same clan’ (see gentile). The original sense was ‘nobly born’, hence ‘courteous, chivalrous’, later ‘mild, moderate in action or disposition’ (mid 16th century).

   Scrabble Points: 7

   • G

     2

   • E

     1

   • N

     1

   • T

     1

   • L

     1

   • E

     1

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