What does "gently" mean?

In a manner characterized by gentleness; Without strong force or quickness: softly, lightly.

Gently

Common synonyms include: a la sourdine, cautiously, circumspectly, compliantly, crawlingly, creepingly.

//ˈd͡ʒɛntli// adv

adv ·Moderate ·College level

Adverb

1
In a manner characterized by gentleness; Without strong force or quickness: softly, lightly.
"First, marinate the tofu. In a bowl, whisk the kecap manis, chilli sauce, and sesame oil together. Cut the tofu into strips about 1cm thick, mix gently (so it doesn't break) with the marinade and leave in the fridge for half an hour."
2
In a manner characterized by gentleness; In a gentle manner; to a gentle degree.
"From Blackwater there is a more or less level run through gently rolling farmlands and downs to Merstone, with its island platform and passing loop."
3
In a manner characterized by gentleness; Quietly: without much noise or motion.
"I look at the world, and I notice it's turning / While my guitar gently weeps / With every mistake, we must surely be learning / Still my guitar gently weeps"
4
From a gentle or high-class family. historical
"gently born"
5
In the manner of one of gentle birth; in a manner that reflects the traditional virtues of the gentry: courteously, nobly. obsolete