gently — English Dictionary

Adverb

1. In a manner characterized by gentleness Without strong force or quickness: softly, lightly.

   Examples

   More examples (2)

   First, marinate the tofu. In a bowl, whisk the kecap manis, chilli sauce, and sesame oil together. Cut the tofu into strips about 1cm thick, mix gently (so it doesn't break) with the marinade and leave in the fridge for half an hour.

   The plane is travelling impossibly slowly – 30km an hour – when it gently noses up and leaves the ground. With air beneath them, the rangy wings seem to gain strength; the fuselage that on the ground seemed flimsy becomes elegant, like a crane vaunting in flight. It seems not to fly, though, so much as float.

2. In a manner characterized by gentleness In a gentle manner; to a gentle degree.

   Examples

   From Blackwater there is a more or less level run through gently rolling farmlands and downs to Merstone, with its island platform and passing loop.

3. In a manner characterized by gentleness Quietly: without much noise or motion.

   Examples

   I look at the world, and I notice it's turning / While my guitar gently weeps / With every mistake, we must surely be learning / Still my guitar gently weeps

4. From a gentle or high-class family.

   Usage

   • Historical

   Examples

   gently born

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

   Usage

   • Obsolete

Adverb

1. gradually

   Examples

   a gently sloping terrain

2. in a gentle manner

   Synonyms

   mildly

   Examples

   he talked gently to the injured animal

3. with little weight or force

   Synonyms

   lightlysoftly

   Examples

   she kissed him lightly on the forehead