Gentler

Gentler is the comparative form of the adjective gentle. It describes a greater degree of gentleness and is used to compare two or more entities or situations. For example, one might say, "She spoke in a gentler voice," or "The teacher adopted a gentler approach to discipline." In grammar, gentler modifies a noun directly (as in "a gentler touch") or appears within a noun phrase ("a gentler method"). The adverbial counterpart for describing how actions are performed is typically "more gently" rather than "gentlier."

The word gentle comes from Old French gentil, from Latin gentilis "of a clan, of the same people" from gens, gentis "nation, people." Over time, it shifted from meaning noble birth to mean courteous, mild, and kind. The comparative form is created by adding -er.

Gentler often implies a deliberate softness or restraint beyond mere strength. It can describe people (a gentler friend), actions (a gentler touch), or policies and climates (a gentler response, gentler climate). It is common in discussions of child-rearing, conflict resolution, and diplomacy, where a gentler approach may reduce harm or stress.

See also: gentle, gentleness, gentility, genteel.