gentle

Where does the word "gentle" come from? It comes from Latin gentilis, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

Gentle’s story begins in Latin: gentilis meant “of the same clan.” From 'gens', family or clan. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as gentil. Applied to the manners expected of nobility. It reached English by 1200s as gentle. 'gentleman' kept the class sense while 'gentle' came to mean mild. Today, gentle means mild and kind.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient gentilis "of the same clan", from 'gens', family or clan.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval gentil "high-born, noble", applied to the manners expected of nobility.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1200s gentle "well-born; kind", 'gentleman' kept the class sense while 'gentle' came to mean mild.