Genteel: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฉ
genteel
[ หdสenหtiหl ]
social class
The term 'genteel' is often used to describe a person who is refined, elegant, and possessing a sophisticated way of life. It typically connotes a sense of belonging to or aspiring to be part of the upper social classes. Genteel individuals often exhibit cultivated tastes and manners, suggesting a background of gentility. This term can also imply a kind of affectation or pretentiousness, where someone is trying to appear of a higher class than they actually are.
Synonyms
cultured, elegant, polished, refined, sophisticated.
Examples of usage
- She has a genteel demeanor that impresses everyone at the gala.
- The genteel neighborhood was known for its manicured lawns and elegant homes.
- His genteel manners made him a favorite among the elite circle.
- Many genteel families hosted tea parties to maintain their social connections.
Translations
Translations of the word "genteel" in other languages:
๐ต๐น gentil
๐ฎ๐ณ เคถเคฟเคทเฅเค
๐ฉ๐ช vornehm
๐ฎ๐ฉ halus
๐บ๐ฆ ะฒะธััะบะฐะฝะธะน
๐ต๐ฑ gentelny
๐ฏ๐ต ไธๅใช
๐ซ๐ท gentil
๐ช๐ธ gentil
๐น๐ท nazik
๐ฐ๐ท ์ฐ์ํ
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ุคุฏุจ
๐จ๐ฟ vzneลกenรฝ
๐ธ๐ฐ jemnรฝ
๐จ๐ณ ้ซ้ ็
๐ธ๐ฎ gentilni
๐ฎ๐ธ fรญnlegur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ััะนะปั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแจแแแแแแฃแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ nษzih
๐ฒ๐ฝ gentil
Etymology
The word 'genteel' traces its origins back to the Middle French word 'gentil,' which meant noble or of good birth. It was derived from the Latin 'gentilis,' meaning belonging to a clan or race, and initially referred to someone of noble birth or a higher social class. Over time, the connotation shifted, and by the 17th century, it began to be used more broadly to refer to a certain kind of polite refinement and cultivated manners rather than just noble lineage. The use of 'genteel' became more common in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in English literature and social commentary, often reflecting the ideals and nuances of social class distinctions during that period. In contemporary usage, 'genteel' continues to evoke themes of sophistication and social status but can also carry a hint of irony when applied to those who might be perceived as pretentious.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #17,695, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
- ...
- 17692 bereavement
- 17693 gratuity
- 17694 bargained
- 17695 genteel
- 17696 hastening
- 17697 internalized
- 17698 skirmish
- ...