gentleness

noun

gen·​tle·​ness ˈjen-tᵊl-nəs How to pronounce gentleness (audio)
: the quality or state of being gentle
especially : mildness of manners or disposition

Examples of gentleness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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His plan was to breed bees that were better adapted to Brazil's climate while retaining the gentleness and high honey-producing traits of the Western honey bees. Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 23 June 2025 His carelessness of practical things caused him to be cheated and defrauded frequently, to the indignation of his wife especially; but the gentleness of his forgiveness of a wrong was trying sometimes. John Jeremiah Sullivan, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025 The result is a layered conversation in which many contemporary themes such as colonisation and gender structures intersect and are revealed with gentleness and irony. Where These Flowers BloomAna Margarita Flores CATERINA DE BIASIO Thank you for accepting my invitation. Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 20 June 2025 This suggests that meeting your pain with gentleness rather than judgment or avoidance, can be deeply protective. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for gentleness

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gentleness was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Gentleness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gentleness. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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