gentle

Gentle is an adjective in English that primarily describes a mild and kind disposition, or something that is not harsh or severe. A gentle person is patient, considerate, and soft-spoken. The word can also describe actions or effects that are mild or delicately applied, such as a gentle touch, a gentle breeze, or a gentle warning. The term can appear in phrases like "gentle persuasion" to emphasize a non-forceful approach. In addition, "gentle" can be used as a verb in specialized contexts such as animal training, meaning to calm, tame, or domesticate gradually.

From Old French gentil meaning noble or well-born, itself from Latin gentil- relating to gens, clan. In English, "gentle" appeared in the Middle Ages with senses tied to good breeding and refinement, then broadening to mean mild or humane by the 14th century. The related word "genteel" shares the same root and historically described the class of well-born people; "gentleman" and "gentry" derive from the same lineage. The modern sense keeps both the moral temper and the softness of effect alive.

Common collocations include "gentle rain," "gentle touch," "gentle reminder." Antonyms include harsh, severe, brutal, and forceful. The opposite of the verb form appears as "to gentle a stallion" and "she gentled the horse." The adverb form is gently. The term is widely used in everyday language and literature to convey milder, compassionate nuance without implying weak or indecisive qualities.