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gentle reply

[ˈdʒɛntəl rɪˈplaɪ]
noun phrasefemininepl: gentle replies / respostas gentis
resposta gentil
1. A soft, kind, or tender response to someone; a courteous answer delivered with mildness and consideration
She gave a gentle reply to his harsh criticism, choosing kindness over anger.
Ela deu uma resposta gentil à sua crítica dura, escolhendo a gentileza em vez da raiva.
2. A response that is moderate in tone and manner, avoiding harshness or rudeness
His gentle reply calmed the tense situation in the meeting.
A sua resposta gentil acalmou a situação tensa na reunião.
Synonyms
kind replycourteous responsetender answermild responsepolite replyresposta amávelresposta cortês
Antonyms
harsh replyrude responsesharp replybrusque answerresposta ásperaresposta rude

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
resposta gentil
Standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
resposta educada
Common colloquial variant
São Paulo
resposta delicada
Often used in formal contexts
Portugal
resposta aprazível
More literary or formal usage

Related Idioms & Phrases

a soft answer turns away wrath
kill them with kindness
respond in kind
uma resposta mansa apazigua a ira
vencer com bondade
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