gently
Americanadverb
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in a kind and amiable manner.
When a child makes a social mistake, an adult should gently and clearly explain what to do in the future to replace the inappropriate behavior.
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in a way that is not rough, harsh, or violent.
New or gently used toys, for both indoor and outdoor use, are requested for donation.
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in a way that is not extreme; moderately.
The ground sloped gently downward until it was almost level with the land on the other side of the stream.
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softly; quietly.
He sings beautifully and easily at full voice, yet sounds equally compelling when singing more gently and lyrically.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of gently
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The sound system is handled by an L-Acoustics L-ISA 250-speaker matrix suspended dynamically behind a specialized acoustic fabric wall, material that Anadol loves to let people touch gently to confirm its woven tensile character.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026
The goal is to gently warm tissue at the back of the eye just enough to activate natural repair systems, without causing harm.
From Science Daily • May 27, 2026
Add the brioche to the custard mixture and gently toss to coat.
From Salon • May 25, 2026
Likewise trail braking—letting the car’s tail run wide in a corner by gently easing off the throttle—is easy and natural.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026
The nurse lifted her gently onto the back of a truck.
From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
