gently

Everyday

1. In a soft, careful way, not rough: "Hold the baby gently." tree →
2. Slowly and not suddenly: "The road rises gently." tree →
3. In a kind, calm way: "She spoke gently." tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and safety: handle animals, babies and fragile things gently; stroke a pet gently; press a cut gently with a clean cloth. In science, a gentle slope rises slowly. Phrases: gently does it, gently but firmly.

Examples

• Stroke the cat gently. tree →
• Hold the baby gently. tree →
• Close the door gently. tree →
• The leaves fell gently to the ground. tree →
• She spoke gently to the scared child. tree →
• Press gently on the cut with a clean cloth. tree →
• The hill slopes gently down to the river. tree →
• Gently put the eggs in the basket. tree →
• "I will try," said Mignon gently. tree →

Note

Adjective: "gentle"; adverb: "gently" (drop the e, add -ly → "gently", not "gentlely"). Opposite: roughly.

In Jewish tradition

In everyday life and safety: handle animals, babies and fragile things gently; stroke a pet gently; press a cut gently with a clean cloth. In science, a gentle slope rises slowly. Phrases: gently does it, gently but firmly.

Examples

• Are the consolations of God too small for thee, and the word that dealeth gently with thee? (Writings JOB.15.11, JPS 1917) tree →
• And the roof of thy mouth like the best wine, that glideth down smoothly for my beloved, moving gently the lips of those that are asleep.' (Writings SNG.7.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• Even as a shepherd that feedeth his flock, that gathereth the lambs in his arm, and carrieth them in his bosom, and gently leadeth those that give suck. (Prophets ISA.40.11, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Adjective: "gentle"; adverb: "gently" (drop the e, add -ly → "gently", not "gentlely"). Opposite: roughly.