early 14c., "befitting one of gentle rank, as of good family," from gentle + -ly (2). Meaning "quietly, softly, without rudeness, gradually" is from 1550s.
权威例句
1. If your child's temperature rises, sponge her down gently with tepid water.
如果你孩子的体温上升,就用海绵蘸上温水轻轻地擦拭她的身体。
2. He gently opened the throttle, and the ship began to ease forward.
他轻轻松开油门杆,轮船开始缓缓前行。
3. Salt the stock to your taste and leave it simmering very gently.
根据自己的口味给原汤加点盐,然后用文火慢炖。
4. He laid his hand gently on the crown of her head.
他把手轻轻放在她的头顶上。
5. The boat was rocking gently to and fro in the water.