gently

== English == === Alternative forms === gentilly (obsolete or archaic, Southern US) gentlely (proscribed) === Etymology === From Middle English gentilly, gentlych, gentilliche, equivalent to gentle +‎ -ly, with *-lely simplified to -ly by haplology. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈd͡ʒɛntli/ (General American) IPA(key): [ˈd͡ʒɛ̃ɾ̃li], [ˈd͡ʒɛnli] Hyphenation: gen‧tly === Adverb === gently (comparative gentlier or more gently, superlative gentliest or most gently) In a manner characterized by gentleness Without strong force or quickness: softly, lightly. In a gentle manner; to a gentle degree. Quietly: without much noise or motion. (historical) From a gentle or high-class family. (obsolete) In the manner of one of gentle birth; in a manner that reflects the traditional virtues of the gentry: courteously, nobly. ==== Antonyms ==== roughly ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === References === “gently”, in Collins English Dictionary, 2011–present.