gentleness

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noun gen·tle·ness \ˈjen-t^əl-nəs\

Definition of gentleness

: the quality or state of being gentle; especially : mildness of manners or disposition

Recent Examples of gentleness from the Web

Pet theory: This sustained hunger for competition—along with a comparative gentleness on the body—is why so many former jocks favor golf.

— jon wertheim, SI.com, "The after-party: Inside the life of the modern professional athlete in retirement", 3 July 2017
Julianna Setters, her face and apron dusted with flour, patted a disc of dough on Wednesday morning with the gentleness of a mother tending her baby.

— cynthia hubert, sacbee, "New Salvation Army program gives former homeless, addicts a chance to get a job", 25 May 2017
His gentleness and that of his beloved father (who always invited a Skid Row transient to join the family for Christmas dinner) contrast with other male relatives, wounded literally and psychically by the Vietnam War and other hardships.

— kerry reid, chicagotribune.com, "Luis Alfaro delves into family mythology in 'St. Jude'", 19 May 2017
Men and women keep driving each other crazy in bed and in the head, but with more mutual sympathy and gentleness.

— alexandra schwartz, The New Yorker, "The Art and Activism of Grace Paley", 8 May 2017
Now, Mia is responding to her son’s crisis not with maternal gentleness but with scolding, threats, and a terrible cautionary tale.

— spencer kornhaber, The Atlantic, "Carrie Fisher's Perfect Farewell on Catastrophe", 2 May 2017
French pianist Lisa de la Salle was casting a spell with a heartbreaking extended solo, evoking something that sounded like a complex combination of gentleness, strength and sadness.

— rob hubbard, Twin Cities, "Minnesota Orchestra’s visiting French conductor, pianist cast a spell", 27 Apr. 2017
There’s a gentleness in the demeanor of Pueblo’s executive chef Eduardo Rosales that doesn’t prepare you for the flavor punch to come in his cuisine.

— michele parente, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Where to eat? 3 places to try now", 26 Apr. 2017
Never Until each woman and man is free Until each woman and man is in the custody Of their gentleness.

— kathleen rooney, New York Times, "An Outsider Poet Who Courted Contradictions", 7 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gentleness'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.