Different cardinals once acting gently (4)
I believe the answer is:
mild
'different' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?
I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for mild that I've seen before include "Moderate, temperate" , "Not severe or harsh" , "Gentle and moderate" , "Calm" , "Gentle in temper and disposition" .)