gently

Meanings

1. 1
   adv

   in a gradual manner

   a gently sloping terrain

2. 2
   adv

   in a gentle manner

   They gently carried the injured animal to safety.

3. 3
   adv

   In a manner characterized by gentleness

   First, marinate the tofu. In a bowl, whisk the kecap manis, chilli sauce, and sesame oil together. Cut the tofu into strips about 1cm thick, mix gently (so it doesn't break) with the marinade and leave in the fridge for half an hour.

4. 4
   adv

   From a gentle or high-class family.

   gently born

5. 5
   adv

   with little weight or force

6. 6
   adv

   In the manner of one of gentle birth; in a manner that reflects the traditional virtues of the gentry: courteously, nobly.

Etymology

From Middle English gentilly, gentlych, gentilliche, equivalent to gentle + -ly, with *-lely simplified to -ly by haplology.