Having the softest touch (8) - Crossword Clue
Answer: GENTLEST
GENTLEST is the answer to the crossword clue "Having the softest touch (8)." This eight-letter word perfectly captures the superlative form of gentle, describing the most delicate, tender, or mild approach possible.
Understanding the Word GENTLEST
- The word gentlest derives from the adjective "gentle," meaning soft, mild, or kind in nature or behavior. When someone has the gentlest touch, they handle things with extreme care, tenderness, and minimal force.
- This term applies across numerous contexts—from physical handling to emotional interactions.In medical settings, nurses with the gentlest touch can make procedures less stressful for patients.
- In parenting, the gentlest approach often involves patience and understanding. Even in nature, we describe the gentlest breeze as one that barely moves the leaves.
Why GENTLEST Fits This Clue
- The clue "Having the softest touch" requires a word meaning the most delicate or tender.
- Gentlest is the superlative adjective that describes someone or something possessing the highest degree of gentleness.
- The eight-letter length matches perfectly, and the meaning aligns precisely with having a soft, careful touch.
Tips for Solving Similar Clues
- Look for superlatives: When a clue uses words like "most," "softest," or "-est" endings, you're likely searching for a superlative adjective.
- Count the letters first: The number in parentheses (8) immediately tells you the answer length, helping narrow possibilities.
- Consider synonyms: "Soft touch" relates to gentleness, delicacy, tenderness, and mildness—all point toward "gentle" family words.
- Think about word forms: If the base word "gentle" has six letters, adding "-est" creates the eight-letter superlative form.
- Context matters: "Touch" suggests physical or emotional delicacy, which strongly indicates gentle-related vocabulary.
Having the softest touch (8) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: What does gentlest mean?
A: Gentlest is the superlative form of gentle, meaning the most soft, mild, tender, or kind. It describes the highest degree of gentleness.
Q: Are there other words that mean having a soft touch?
A: Yes, alternatives include "delicate," "tender," "soft," "mild," and "light-handed," though gentlest is the superlative form that fits eight letters.
Q: How do you use gentlest in a sentence?
A: "She had the gentlest touch when caring for newborn babies" or "The gentlest breeze rustled through the garden."
Q: What's the difference between gentle and gentlest?
A: "Gentle" is the base adjective, "gentler" is the comparative form (comparing two), and "gentlest" is the superlative (indicating the most gentle among three or more).
Q: Can gentlest describe things other than touch?
A: Absolutely! You can have the gentlest voice, the gentlest personality, the gentlest slope, or the gentlest reminder—it applies to any context requiring extreme mildness or delicacy.
