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Genteel: meaning, definitions and examples

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genteel

 

[ หˆdส’enหŒtiหl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น gentil

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคถเคฟเคทเฅเคŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช vornehm

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ halus

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒะธัˆัƒะบะฐะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ gentelny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ไธŠๅ“ใช

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท gentil

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ gentil

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท nazik

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์šฐ์•„ํ•œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุคุฏุจ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vzneลกenรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ jemnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้ซ˜้›…็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ gentilni

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ fรญnlegur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัั‹ะนะปั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒแƒ›แƒจแƒ•แƒ”แƒœแƒ”แƒ‘แƒฃแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nษ™zih

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ 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.