What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gentle
Example
The mother gave her baby a gentle hug. [gentle: adjective]
Example
He spoke in a gentle tone to avoid upsetting her. [gentle: adjective]
Example
She gently placed the vase on the table to avoid breaking it. [gently: adverb]
delicate
Example
Be careful with the delicate glassware, it can break easily. [delicate: adjective]
Example
She has a delicate constitution and needs to be careful with her diet. [delicate: adjective]
Example
The negotiations were delicate and required a lot of tact. [delicate: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gentle is more commonly used than delicate in everyday language. Gentle is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while delicate is more specific in its meaning and is often used in formal or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gentle and delicate?
Delicate is generally considered more formal than gentle. It is often used in technical or scientific contexts, or to describe situations that require careful handling or treatment.
