soft

这组词共同的意思是“温和的”。它们的区别在于:

1.用于人时, gentle指温和的举动,出于自我克制或对方的体贴; mild则指出于本性; soft指人的性情是温和的、宽厚的、心肠软的、婉转的。例如:

The boy has gentle spirit.那男孩举止文雅。

He has too mild a nature to lose his temper.他性情温和,不会发脾气。

I think the courts are too soft with these young offenders.我认为法院对这些犯法的年轻人太宽厚了。

2.用于物时, gentle可指事物运动变化的缓和; mild指适度、祥和,给人愉快的感觉; soft可指事物的表面的柔软、光滑或声音的温和、较低的等。例如:

A warm, gentle breeze was coming from the sea.海面吹来一阵柔和的暖风。

His eyes were no longer mild but glittered with a suppressed fury.他的目光不再温和,而是迸射出压抑的怒火。

The fur was as soft as velvet.这毛皮有如天鹅绒般软滑。