What is genteel? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of genteel in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of genteel

genteeladjective

GENTEEL

/dʒenˈtiːl//dʒenˈtiːl/

Where does the word genteel come from?

Word Originlate 16th cent. (in the sense ‘fashionable, stylish’): from French gentil ‘well-born’. From the 17th cent. to the 19th cent. the word was used in such senses as ‘of good social position’, ‘having the manners of a well-born person’, ‘well bred’. The ironic or derogatory implication dates from the 19th cent.

Vocabulary summary genteel

typeadjective noble, upper class

meaningpolite

meaningpolite, fashionable

Example of vocabulary genteelnamespace

meaning

quiet and polite, often in an exaggerated way; from, or pretending to be from, a high social class

  • a genteel manner
  • Her genteel accent irritated me.
  • He lived in genteel poverty (= trying to keep the style of a high social class, but with little money).
  • The genteel elderly lady demanded a seat on the crowded train with an air of polite expectation.
  • The genteel gentleman kindly opened the door for the woman carrying a heavy load.
meaning

quiet and old-fashioned and perhaps slightly boring

Synonyms and related words for genteel

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