gently

adverb

1. 1

   In a manner characterized by gentleness Without strong force or quickness: softly, lightly.

   First, marinate the tofu. In a bowl, whisk the kecap manis, chilli sauce, and sesame oil together. Cut the tofu into strips about 1cm thick, mix gently (so it doesn't break) with the marinade and leave in the fridge for half an hour.

   The plane is travelling impossibly slowly – 30km an hour – when it gently noses up and leaves the ground. With air beneath them, the rangy wings seem to gain strength; the fuselage that on the ground seemed flimsy becomes elegant, like a crane vaunting in flight. It seems not to fly, though, so much as float.

2. 2

   In a manner characterized by gentleness In a gentle manner; to a gentle degree.

   From Blackwater there is a more or less level run through gently rolling farmlands and downs to Merstone, with its island platform and passing loop.

3. 3

   In a manner characterized by gentleness Quietly: without much noise or motion.

   I look at the world, and I notice it's turning / While my guitar gently weeps / With every mistake, we must surely be learning / Still my guitar gently weeps

4. 4

   historicalFrom a gentle or high-class family.

   gently born

5. 5

   obsoleteIn the manner of one of gentle birth; in a manner that reflects the traditional virtues of the gentry: courteously, nobly.

Forms

comparative

gentlier, more gently

superlative

gentliest, most gently