Gentile vs. Gentle

Attribute	Gentile	Gentle
Definition	Belonging to a family, tribe, or nation	Having or showing a mild, kind, or tender temperament or character
Etymology	From Latin "gentilis" meaning belonging to a family or tribe	From Old French "gentil" meaning noble or courteous
Usage	Primarily used in historical or religious contexts	Commonly used in everyday language to describe behavior or personality
Associated with	Family, tribe, nationality	Kindness, tenderness, politeness

Definition

Gentile and gentle are two words that are often confused due to their similar spellings and pronunciations. However, they have distinct meanings and are used in different contexts. Gentile is an adjective that refers to someone who is not Jewish, while gentle is an adjective that describes someone who is kind, mild, or tender in nature.

Etymology

The word gentile comes from the Latin word gentilis, which means "of or belonging to a clan or tribe." It was originally used in the Bible to refer to non-Jewish people. On the other hand, the word gentle comes from the Old French word gentil, which means "noble" or "courteous." It has evolved over time to describe someone who is considerate and kind.

Usage

Gentile is primarily used in a religious context to refer to someone who is not Jewish. It is often used in the Bible to distinguish between Jews and non-Jews. On the other hand, gentle is used to describe someone's demeanor or behavior. It is often used to describe someone who is soft-spoken, kind-hearted, or compassionate.

Characteristics

When describing someone as gentile, it implies that they are not Jewish. It is a term used to differentiate between different religious groups. On the other hand, when describing someone as gentle, it implies that they are kind, considerate, and compassionate. It is a term used to describe someone's personality or behavior.

Examples

Here are some examples of how gentile and gentle are used in sentences:

• He is a gentile, so he does not celebrate Hanukkah.
• She is known for her gentle demeanor and caring nature.
• The gentile population in the city has been growing steadily.
• He spoke to her in a gentle tone to calm her nerves.

Conclusion

In conclusion, gentile and gentle are two words that may sound similar but have distinct meanings and uses. Gentile refers to someone who is not Jewish, while gentle describes someone who is kind and considerate. It is important to understand the differences between these two words to use them correctly in writing and conversation.