gently

adverb

Without strong force or quickness: softly, lightly.

In a manner characterized by gentleness

In a gentle manner; to a gentle degree.

Quietly: without much noise or motion.

(historical) From a gentle or high-class family.

(obsolete) In the manner of one of gentle birth; in a manner that reflects the traditional virtues of the gentry: courteously, nobly.

Roots

gensgen- · Latin · family, noble birth

Synonyms for gently

softlyadv mildlyadv tenderlyadv delicatelyadv slowlyadv quietlyadv unhurriedlyadv cautiouslyadv sluggishlyadv languidlyadv meeklyadv

Synonyms & related words for gently

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of gently — including softly, mildly, tenderly, delicately, slowly, quietly. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to gently

Explore words related to gently — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include lightly, fluffily, gingerly, calmly, sweetly, airily, lovingly, soothingly. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for gently

Common synonyms for gently include softly, mildly, tenderly, delicately, slowly, quietly, unhurriedly, cautiously — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does gently come from?

The word gently breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root gen-, from Latin gens (“family, noble birth”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.