Correct option is C
The correct substitution of the highlighted word is (c) Noun.
Explanation:
In the given sentence, the gentle refers to a group of people who are gentle in nature.
Here, the adjective gentle is preceded by the definite article the and is used to represent a class of persons.
Thus, it functions as a
noun in this context.
Grammatical rule used:
An
adjective preceded by ‘the’ can function as a
noun to represent a class of people.
Example:
· The rich should help the poor.
Information Booster:
Adjectives like poor, rich, blind, brave can act as nouns when used with
‘the’.