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 Be patient and understanding: Grief is a lifelong process that doesn’t magically disappear overnight, as the person in your life who is grieving needs gentleness, understanding, and grace. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 14 Nov. 2023 Amanda Warren as Gloria, and Pamela Reed as Annette O’Keefe both bring a unique authenticity and gentleness to the screen in their portrayals of traditional wives who embrace being of service to their husbands. Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 6 Nov. 2023 These detergent pods will clean all baby bottles, dishes, and other kitchenware ensuring cleanliness and gentleness for all of your baby’s needs. Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2023 Hello World Gift Set $30; target.com Rainbow Muslin Baby Blanket Wrap your rainbow baby up in this eco-friendly muslin blanket, which is made from bamboo fibers for extra softness and gentleness on their skin. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 25 Oct. 2023 The author has a gift for creating characters and stories that infuse even the most sordid corners of humanity with an unforced gentleness. Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2023 Aided by eccentric furniture store managers played by Russell and Abraham, David, with equal turns of gentleness and aggression, asks why his family is in the furniture store at all before their mind-bending journey builds unexpectedly to a chaotic, yet cathartic climax. Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Sep. 2023 Understand, the problem here isn’t Oher’s gentleness. Gerald Nesmith, Essence, 1 Sep. 2023 But fans cheered for Fez, given the gentleness Cloud conveyed in past episodes (and Nate’s own cruelty), making the scene one of the standouts that united Euphoria viewers on social media. Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 1 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gentleness.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near gentleness

Cite this Entry

“Gentleness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gentleness. Accessed 2 Dec. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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