Origin:
* Old French: It originated from the Old French word "gentil," which meant "noble, well-born, refined."
* Latin: "Gentil" itself comes from the Latin word "gentilis," which meant "belonging to a clan or family, native, of the same race or stock."
Evolution of Meaning:
* The meaning of "gentle" shifted over time, becoming more associated with mildness, kindness, and courtesy. This shift likely came about because nobility was often associated with these qualities.
* It also evolved to include a sense of softness and delicacy, perhaps due to the association of gentle touch with those of high birth.
Interesting Fact:
* The word "gentleman" is a direct descendant of "gentle," reflecting the association of gentility with good manners and high character.
In essence, the word "gentle" started as a descriptor of noble lineage but evolved to represent the admirable traits often associated with nobility, such as kindness, courtesy, and refinement.