gently

Etymology

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

adv

1. In a manner characterized by gentleness
   1. Without strong force or quickness: softly, lightly.
      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. 8 May 2012, Yotam Ottolenghi, Sami Tamimi, Ottolenghi: The Cookbook, Random House, page 79
   2. In a gentle manner; to a gentle degree.
      From Blackwater there is a more or less level run through gently rolling farmlands and downs to Merstone, with its island platform and passing loop. 1946 July and August, K. Westcott Jones, “Isle of Wight Central Railway—2”, in Railway Magazine, page 243
   3. Quietly: without much noise or motion.
      I look at the world, and I notice it's turning / While my guitar gently weeps / With every mistake, we must surely be learning / Still my guitar gently weeps 1968, George Harrison (lyrics and music), “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”, performed by The Beatles
2. (historical) From a gentle or high-class family.
   gently born
3. (obsolete) In the manner of one of gentle birth; in a manner that reflects the traditional virtues of the gentry: courteously, nobly.