gentle

/ˈdʒɛntl̩/

Looking for the meaning of gentle? Explore definitions, parts of speech, and usage examples below.

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noun
01

A person of high birth.

02

A maggot used as bait by anglers.

03

A trained falcon, or falcon-gentil.

verb
01

To become gentle

02

To ennoble

03

(animal husbandry) to break; to tame; to domesticate

04

To soothe; to calm; to make gentle.

adjective
01

Tender and amiable; of a considerate or kindly disposition.

Stuart is a gentle man; he would never hurt you.

02

Soft and mild rather than hard or severe.

I felt something touch my shoulder; it was gentle and a little slimy.

03

Docile and easily managed.

We had a gentle swim in the lake.

04

Gradual rather than steep or sudden.

The walks in this area have a gentle incline.

05

Polite and respectful rather than rude.

He gave me a gentle reminder that we had to hurry up.

06

Well-born; of a good family or respectable birth, though not noble.

SYNONYMS:friendlykindpoliterespectful

Understanding "gentle"

The word **"gentle"** is a **noun** in the English language. It is phonetically pronounced as **/ˈdʒɛntl̩/**. Explore the detailed meaning, morphological structure, and usage examples for **"gentle"** in our dictionary below.

The English language is incredibly vast, and diving into the definition of the word "gentle" provides a perfect example of its linguistic depth. Categorized primarily as a noun, the term "gentle" holds specific syntactical roles within a sentence, allowing speakers and writers to convey precise meaning. Understanding how this word functions is an excellent step towards mastering advanced English vocabulary and improving overall reading comprehension.

For those looking to perfect their spoken English, noting the phonetic pronunciation of "gentle" is crucial. It is typically transcribed as /ˈdʒɛntl̩/. Proper enunciation ensures that your intended message is received clearly, preventing miscommunication in both formal and casual settings. Linguistic scholars often track the phonological evolution of words like "gentle" to understand broader historical shifts in dialects and accents across different English-speaking populations.

When deciding how to use "gentle" in everyday communication, it helps to look at exactly how it operates as a noun. In professional writing, academic essays, and creative literature, choosing the perfect vocabulary word can drastically elevate the tone of the text. Because "gentle" carries its own unique connotations and denotations, swapping it for a simpler synonym might dilute the impact of your sentence.

Our comprehensive dictionary tool is designed to provide immediate, reliable definitions for thousands of terms, including "gentle". By consistently exploring the nuances of vocabulary—including phonetics (/ˈdʒɛntl̩/), part of speech (noun), and usage examples—you can significantly expand your linguistic repertoire. Bookmark this page as a quick reference tool whenever you encounter "gentle" in reading materials or wish to incorporate it into your active vocabulary.

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How do I use gentle in a sentence?

Refer to the usage examples above to see how "gentle" can be used in academic and casual conversations.