Meaning & use

gently

adverb·Everyday

In a mild, soft, or careful way, without force or harshness.

See it in a sentence

She gently rocked the baby to sleep in her arms.

He gently reminded his friend that the deadline was approaching.

A note on using this word

Gently applies to physical touch, tone of voice, and manner of action alike, always suggesting care to avoid causing harm.

Words with a similar meaning

softlytenderly

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

roughlyharshly

Make it your own

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