gentle

Kind and careful, especially when dealing with someone who could be hurt or upset.

• She is a gentle person.
• Please be gentle with the kitten.
• He became gentler as he grew older.

How to use it: gentle with someone/something (Be gentle with the baby.)

Similar words: kind, tender, mild

Opposites: rough, harsh

Common phrases: gentle person, gentle with someone

Moving or acting softly and without much force.

• A gentle breeze moved the leaves.
• She gave the door a gentle push.
• The boat rose on gentle waves.

Similar words: soft, light, mild

Opposites: strong, violent

Common phrases: gentle breeze, gentle push

Quiet, calm, and friendly in sound.

• He spoke in a gentle voice.
• Her gentle tone helped calm the child.
• The nurse’s voice grew gentler.

Similar words: soft, soothing

Opposites: harsh, loud

Common phrases: gentle voice, gentle tone

Rising, falling, or bending gradually, without a sudden or steep change.

• The path follows a gentle slope.
• A gentle curve leads towards the village.
• The hill is gentler on its southern side.

Similar words: gradual, slight

Opposites: steep, sharp

Common phrases: gentle slope, gentle curve

Small, warm, and friendly, when describing a smile.

• She gave me a gentle smile.
• A gentle smile appeared on his face.
• Her gentle little smile made us feel welcome.

Similar words: soft, warm

Common phrases: gentle smile, gentle little smile

Warm rather than very hot, especially for cooking.

• Cook the sauce over gentle heat.
• The butter melted in the gentle warmth.
• Keep the heat gentle while stirring.

Similar words: low, mild

Opposites: intense

Common phrases: gentle heat, gentle warmth