1. the property possessed by a slope that is very gradual • Syn: gradualness • Ant: abruptness (for: gradualness) • Derivationally related forms: gentle, gradual (for: gradualness) • Hypernyms: gradient, slope 2. acting in a manner that is gentle and mild and even-tempered - his fingers have learned gentleness - suddenly her gigantic power melted into softness for the baby - even in the pulpit there are moments when mildness of manner is not enough • Syn: softness, mildness • Derivationally related forms: mild (for: mildness), soft (for: softness), gentle • Hypernyms: manner, personal manner
