not openly; inwardly; "they were secretly delighted at his embarrassment"; "hoped secretly she would change her mind"
in secrecy; not openly; "met secretly to discuss the invasion plans"; "the children secretly went to the movies when they were supposed to be at the library"; "they arranged to meet in secret"
having or showing a kindly or tender nature; "the gentle touch of her hand"; "her gentle manner was comforting"; "a gentle sensitive nature"; "gentle blue eyes"
quiet and soothing; "a gentle voice"; "a gentle nocturne"
soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe; "a gentle reprimand"; "a vein of gentle irony"; "poked gentle fun at him"
separate or apart in time; "distant events"; "the remote past or future"
separated in space or coming from or going to a distance; "distant villages"; "the sound of distant traffic"; "a distant sound"; "a distant telephone call"
far apart in relevance or relationship; "a distant cousin"; "a distant likeness"