the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > [adverb] > without harshness or gently > and gradually or quietly (3)
With gentle movement; unobtrusively; without (much) noise or sound; quietly. Now regional or archaic.
Softly, gently; in a quiet or leisurely manner; little by little. Also as int.
Gently, carefully, tenderly; in such a manner as to avoid causing pain or injury; without force or violence; with gentle action.