DICT.TW Dictionary Taiwan
Gen·tle a. [Compar. Gentler superl. Gentlest ]
1. Well-born; of a good family or respectable birth, though not noble.
British society is divided into nobility, gentry, and yeomanry, and families are either noble, gentle, or simple. --Johnson's Cyc.
The studies wherein our noble and gentle youth ought to bestow their time. --Milton.
2. Quiet and refined in manners; not rough, harsh, or stern; mild; meek; bland; amiable; tender; as, a gentle nature, temper, or disposition; a gentle manner; a gentle address; a gentle voice.
3. A compellative of respect, consideration, or conciliation; as, gentle reader. “Gentle sirs.” “Gentle Jew.” “Gentle servant.”
4. Not wild, turbulent, or refractory; quiet and docile; tame; peaceable; as, a gentle horse.
5. Soft; not violent or rough; not strong, loud, or disturbing; easy; soothing; pacific; as, a gentle touch; a gentle gallop . “Gentle music.”
O sleep! it is a gentle thing. --Coleridge.
The gentle craft, the art or trade of shoemaking.
Syn: -- Mild; meek; placid; dovelike; quiet; peaceful; pacific; bland; soft; tame; tractable; docile.
Usage: Gentle, Tame, Mild, Meek. Gentle describes the natural disposition; tame, that which is subdued by training; mild implies a temper which is, by nature, not easily provoked; meek, a spirit which has been schooled to mildness by discipline or suffering. The lamb is gentle; the domestic fowl is tame; John, the Apostle, was mild; Moses was meek.