noun
gentleness
JEHNTL-nuhs
Gentleness (noun) means a soft, mild, and considerate manner or nature. Example: “She handled the crying child with great gentleness.”
noun
1
A soft, mild, and considerate manner or nature.
"She handled the crying child with great gentleness."
"The nurse spoke with a gentleness that calmed the frightened patient."
How to use gentleness
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing soft, kind, and careful rather than rough or harsh.
Common pairings
treat with gentleness
speak with gentleness
quiet gentleness
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like gentleness.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- gentlenesses
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She handled the crying child with great _____.
Etymology
From Middle English gentilnesse, formed from gentle plus the noun-forming suffix -ness.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for gentleness
oneness
likeness
idleness
lateness
rudeness
niceness
cuteness
awareness
whiteness
closeness
politeness
uniqueness
See all rhymes for gentleness →
Frequently asked questions
What does “gentleness” mean?
The word “gentleness” means a soft, mild, and considerate manner or nature. In plain terms, being soft, kind, and careful rather than rough or harsh.
How do you pronounce “gentleness”?
“Gentleness” is pronounced JEHNTL-nuhs (/ˈd͡ʒɛntl̩nəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “gentleness” in a sentence?
Here is “gentleness” used in a sentence: “She handled the crying child with great gentleness.”
What part of speech is “gentleness”?
“Gentleness” is a noun.
Where does the word “gentleness” come from?
The word “gentleness” comes from Middle English. From Middle English gentilnesse, formed from gentle plus the noun-forming suffix -ness.
