adverb (r)

• in a gradual manner(adv.all)

  Example:
  A gently sloping terrain.
  

  Synonym:
  bit by bit, gradually, step by step
  

  source: wordnet30
• in a gentle manner(adv.all)

  Example:
  He talked gently to the injured animal.
  

  Synonym:
  mildly
  

  source: wordnet30
• with little weight or force(adv.all)

  Synonym:
  lightly, softly
  

  source: wordnet30
• In a gentle manner.(adverb)

  source: webster1913