gentle

Reading level: medium

Estimated CEFR level: A2 — Elementary

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of
  2. verb give a title to someone; make someone a member of the nobility
  3. verb stroke soothingly

Etymology

From Middle English gentil (“courteous, noble”), from Old French gentil (“high-born, noble”), from Latin gentilis (“of the same family or clan”), from gens (“[Roman] clan”). Doublet of gentile, genteel, and jaunty.

In classic literature

Synonyms

pacify, lenify, conciliate, assuage, appease, mollify, placate, gruntle

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