Gentlier

Gentlier is a rarely used or archaic comparative form of the English adjective gentle. It denotes a greater degree of gentleness. In contemporary English, the standard comparative form is gentler; gentlier appears primarily in older literature, poetry, or dialect writing and is generally treated as archaic or stylistic.

Etymology and historical usage: Gentlier is associated with historical spellings and variations that predate the modern preference for -er in comparatives. While the root meaning remains the same—more mild, more kind, or more humane—the form gentlier reflects older or regional orthographic conventions rather than current standard usage.

Modern usage and reception: Today, gentlier is rarely chosen in ordinary writing and is usually replaced by gentler. Its occurrence can signal an antiquated voice or a deliberate attempt to evoke Early Modern English or a regional dialect. When encountered in texts, it is often retained for historical or stylistic authenticity rather than as a living part of contemporary usage.

Related terms: gentle, gentleness, gentility, kindly, humane. See also gentleness and gentility as broader concepts related to mildness and consideration in behavior and character.

Notes: While grammatically understandable as a comparative form, gentlier is not standard in modern writing. Writers seeking clarity and natural rhythm typically use gentler, reserving gentlier for stylistic or scholarly contexts.