Gentle Meaning
Gentle Definition & Usage
Showing kindness, tenderness, or calmness; mild in behavior or appearance.
Examples
- "She had a gentle smile that made everyone feel at ease."
- "He spoke in a gentle tone, making it clear that he was not upset."
- "The nurse's gentle hands made the procedure much less painful."
- "He is a gentle soul, always looking out for others."
- "A gentle breeze blew through the open window, carrying the scent of flowers."
Mild or moderate in intensity; not harsh or severe.
Examples
- "The gentle waves of the ocean lapped against the shore."
- "She used a gentle cleanser for her sensitive skin."
- "The rain fell gently, almost as if it were whispering to the earth."
- "The gentle hum of the machine could barely be heard over the conversation."
- "The gentle heat of the fire warmed the room without being overpowering."
Lacking harshness or force; characterized by a slow, easy motion or sensation.
Examples
- "The gentle motion of the rocking chair lulled him to sleep."
- "She gave him a gentle push to get him moving."
- "The gentle pressure of her fingers on his shoulder was reassuring."
- "He felt the gentle pull of the tide as it began to draw him into the ocean."
- "A gentle nudge from his colleague made him realize he had to focus."
Cultural Context
The word 'gentle' has roots in Latin, originating from 'gentilis', meaning 'belonging to a clan or family'. Over time, its meaning evolved to describe characteristics such as kindness and mildness. It is often used in both personal descriptions and to convey the calmness of natural phenomena.
The Gentle Winds of Change
Story
The Gentle Winds of Change
In a small, coastal town, there was an old man named Henry who had lived there his entire life. He was known for his gentle nature, always taking the time to help anyone in need with a calm and understanding attitude. One summer afternoon, as Henry sat on his porch overlooking the sea, a young woman named Clara approached him. She had recently moved to the town and was struggling with the transition. 'I don't know if I can stay,' she admitted, looking out at the horizon. 'Everything feels so different.' Henry, with his usual gentle smile, patted the empty chair next to him. 'Take a seat, Clara. Let the gentle winds guide you.' The words were simple, but they carried weight. As the breeze picked up, soft and refreshing, Clara began to feel a sense of calm. Henry explained how, just like the gentle waves on the beach, life’s challenges could be faced with patience and kindness. Over the next few weeks, Clara visited Henry regularly, each time feeling a little lighter and more at peace. Henry's gentle influence helped her embrace the changes in her life, and soon, she became known for her own gentle demeanor in the town. Henry's philosophy, 'The gentler we are with ourselves, the gentler we can be with the world,' remained with Clara for years to come, shaping how she interacted with everyone she met.
Related Words
