gently
Translation
gently, softly, mildly
Examples
He closed the door gently.
He closed the door gently.
The path slopes gently downwards.
The path slopes gently downwards.
Grammar Patterns
((adv.)) modifies a verb He closed the door gently.
Similar Words
Synonyms: softly, tenderly, lightly; Antonyms: roughly, harshly
Etymology
From 'gentle' + the adverb-forming suffix '-ly'. 'Gentle' comes from Old French 'gentil', meaning 'high-born, noble'.
Memory Tips
Imagine a 'gentle' man handling something with care. The '-ly' suffix turns the adjective 'gentle' into an adverb.