What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gentle
Example
The mother gently stroked her baby's hair. [gentle: adverb]
Example
He had a gentle voice that put people at ease. [gentle: adjective]
calm
Example
She took deep breaths to calm herself down. [calm: verb]
Example
The lake was calm and still in the early morning. [calm: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Calm is more commonly used than gentle in everyday language. Calm is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while gentle is less common and refers to a specific type of behavior or sensation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gentle and calm?
Both gentle and calm can be used in formal and informal contexts, but gentle may be perceived as more formal due to its association with tenderness and kindness.
