gently

gently — adverb

1. in a way that shows care, kindness, and a calm attitude toward someone or someth

1.副詞B1
釋義

in a way that shows care, kindness, and a calm attitude toward someone or something, especially when handling a person, animal, or emotional situation.

例句

The nurse gently wrapped the bandage around the child's arm.

verb + gently: action done in a kind, careful way

Sivan gently reminded her grandmother to take the medicine.

gently + verb: softening a potentially awkward reminder

同義詞
  • softly

    focuses on quietness of voice or touch, less emphasis on emotional care

  • kindly

    emphasises a warm, generous intention rather than physical softness

  • tenderly

    stronger emotional warmth, often used in close relationships

反義詞
  • harshly

    rough or unkind in manner or words

  • roughly

    using force without care for the other person's comfort

文法句型

gently + verb

verb + gently

用法筆記

Often used with verbs of speaking (said, asked, told, reminded) or handling (held, touched, patted) to soften the action with warmth.

常見錯誤

❌She gently spoke to him.
✅She spoke gently to him.
💡As a manner adverb, 'gently' usually comes after the verb, not before, when the verb carries the main action of speaking.
❌He is a gently person.
✅He is a gentle person.
💡'Gently' is an adverb; use 'gentle' (adjective) to describe a noun.

2. using very little physical force or pressure; in a light, soft way that does not

2.副詞B1
釋義

using very little physical force or pressure; in a light, soft way that does not push or press hard.

例句

Stir the sauce gently over low heat so it does not burn.

verb + gently: a light physical action

Cyrus gently pressed the doorbell and waited for an answer.

同義詞
  • lightly

    emphasises low weight or pressure, often more neutral in tone

  • softly

    focuses on the absence of hardness in the contact

反義詞
  • forcefully

    with great strength or power

  • hard

    with firm pressure; the opposite of a light touch

文法句型

verb + gently

gently + verb

用法筆記

Common with cooking verbs (stir, fold, simmer) and physical actions (push, press, tap, rub). Contrasts with 'hard', 'firmly', or 'forcefully'.

3. to a small degree or changing little by little over time, not suddenly or sharpl

3.副詞B2
釋義

to a small degree or changing little by little over time, not suddenly or sharply.

例句

The path climbs gently for about two kilometres before reaching the lake.

gently + verb: describing a gradual slope

Bao's driveway rises gently from the main road up to the garage.

gently + verb: describing a gradual slope or incline

同義詞
  • gradually

    emphasises the slow, step-by-step nature of the change, not necessarily the smallness

  • slightly

    focuses on the small degree of change, without implying a process over time

  • slowly

    focuses on the low speed of change, not the lightness of degree

反義詞
  • suddenly

    happening all at once rather than step by step

  • sharply

    changing steeply or dramatically

文法句型

gently + verb

gently + adjective

verb + gently

用法筆記

Often used with verbs of movement, change, or slope (rise, climb, slope, increase, decrease, lower). Distinguish from sense 2: sense 3 describes degree or rate of change, not the force of an action.

常見錯誤

❌The temperature rose gently and then suddenly dropped.
✅The temperature rose slightly and then suddenly dropped.
💡For a very small amount (not a process over time), 'slightly' is clearer than 'gently'.