GENTLY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does gently mean? 

• GENTLY (adverb)
  The adverb GENTLY has 3 senses:

1. in a gradual manner

2. in a gentle manner

3. with little weight or force

  Familiarity information: GENTLY used as an adverb is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• GENTLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In a gradual manner

Context example:

a gently sloping terrain

Pertainym:

gentle (marked by moderate steepness)

Sense 2

Meaning:

In a gentle manner

Synonyms:

gently; mildly

Context example:

he talked gently to the injured animal

Pertainym:

gentle (quiet and soothing)

Sense 3

Meaning:

With little weight or force

Synonyms:

gently; lightly; softly

Context example:

she kissed him lightly on the forehead

Pertainym:

gentle (having little impact)

 Context examples 

"You forget," said Elinor gently, "that its situation is not...that it is not in the neighbourhood of..."

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)

And still we rocked gently, and there was no wind.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

I got up softly, and crossing the room, gently opened the door.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

Then, with a quick low whine, Wolf sprang after him, overtook him, caught his hand between his teeth with reluctant tenderness, and strove gently to make him pause.

(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)

I would not be too vehement, said Agnes, gently, or propose too much.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

“Pray sit down on the sofa,” said Holmes gently. “You had my note?”

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

This energy is said to be balanced or made stronger by practitioners who pass their hands over, or gently touch, a patient's body.

(Healing touch, NCI Dictionary)

Stretching or gently massaging the muscle can relieve this pain.

(Muscle Cramps, NIH)

It measures physiological changes in the breast when the breast is gently squeezed by an air filled bag.

(Dynamic Optical Breast Imaging, NCI Thesaurus)

If you have acne: • Clean your skin gently • Try not to touch your skin • Avoid the sun

(Acne, NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases)