gentleness

Everyday

1. Gentleness is the quality of being kind, calm and careful, not rough or harsh. tree →
2. Softness or mildness: the gentleness of a breeze or a slope. tree →

In the lessons

In ethics and religious education gentleness is a virtue; Christians list it among the «fruit of the Spirit» in Paul's letter to the Galatians. In everyday life gentleness is needed with babies, pets and people who are upset. Phrases: «with gentleness», «great gentleness», «gentleness and kindness».

Examples

• She held the baby bird with great gentleness. tree →
• The vet treated the frightened dog with gentleness. tree →
• Gentleness is a strength, not a weakness. tree →
• Christians count gentleness among the fruit of the Spirit. tree →
• The teacher spoke with gentleness to the crying boy. tree →
• I like the gentleness of the summer breeze. tree →
• Grandpa's gentleness made everyone feel safe. tree →
• Gentleness and kind persuasion win where force and bluster fail. tree →

Note

Uncountable: no plural. From the adjective «gentle» + -ness; adverb «gently». Opposite: roughness, harshness.

In Jewish tradition

Calm, mild behavior. Ecclesiastes says that a soft answer can calm an angry ruler.

Interpretation. The tradition prizes gentle speech and patience, which the Proverbs also praise as wise.

Examples

• If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for gentleness allayeth great offences. (Writings ECC.10.4, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Uncountable: no plural. From the adjective «gentle» + -ness; adverb «gently». Opposite: roughness, harshness.