French word

gentiment

Pronunciation

IPA/ʒɑ̃timɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adverbgently

Example

Parle-lui gentiment.

Speak to him gently.

Illustration for gentiment (gently)

More examples

Il m'a regardé gentiment.

He looked at me kindly.

Core concept

A gentle tone or action that makes an interaction feel considerate.

Common phrases

  • dire gentiment

    speak kindly

  • regarder gentiment

    look kindly

  • traiter gentiment

    treat kindly

Similar words

poliment: In a respectful and well-mannered way.
doucement: Softly, with little force or a lowered volume.
calmement: Without haste or agitation, in a composed way.

Definition in French

De façon aimable et douce dans la manière d'agir ou de parler.

Word origin

The French suffix -ment turns gentil into the adverb gentiment, while gentil descends through Old French from Latin gentilis.

Usage tips

  • Gentiment can soften a request or command without making it formal, as in Réponds gentiment.

Other meanings

  • kindlyadverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word