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- Dictionarygenteel/dʒɛnˈtiːl/
adjective
- 1. characterized by exaggerated or affected politeness, refinement, or respectability: "her genteel upbringing"
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GENTEEL definition: 1. typical of a high social class: 2. being very polite, gentle, or graceful: 3. calm and gentle: . Learn more.
: maintaining or striving to maintain the appearance of superior or middle-class social status or respectability. a shabby genteel mansion. b (1) : marked by false delicacy, prudery, or affectation. was genteel on the surface, but had a hard heart. (2) : conventionally or insipidly pretty.
being very polite, gentle, or graceful: a genteel southern lady. Thesaurus: synonyms, antonyms, and examples. calm and nice to others. gentle She's so sweet and gentle with the children. mild Her grandmother is such a kind, mild person. mild-mannered He's a mild-mannered diplomat known for his measured responses to crisis.
Although the adjective genteel means high-class and refined, it is often used today in a somewhat mocking tone, as though good manners and elegance are passé. Still, it would be nice if more people were a little more genteel. The word genteel comes from the Old French word gentil, "high-born, noble."
A genteel person is respectable and well-mannered, and comes or seems to come from a high social class. It was a place to which genteel families came in search of health and quiet. ...two elderly ladies with genteel manners and voices. Synonyms: refined, cultured, mannerly, elegant More Synonyms of genteel.
Genteel definition: belonging or suited to polite society.. See examples of GENTEEL used in a sentence.
adjective. /dʒenˈtiːl/ (sometimes disapproving) (of people and their way of life) 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).
1. affectedly proper or refined; excessively polite. 2. respectable, polite, and well-bred: a genteel old lady. 3. appropriate to polite or fashionable society: genteel behaviour. [C16: from French gentil well-born; see gentle] genˈteelly adv. genˈteelness n.
GENTEEL definition: very polite, especially in a way that is typical of someone from a high social class. Learn more.
Genteel Definition. jĕn-tēl. Meanings. Synonyms. Sentences. Definition Source. Word Forms. Origin. Adjective. Filter. adjective. genteeler, genteelest. Having or showing the good taste and refinement associated with polite society; elegant, fashionable, etc. Webster's New World. Excessively or affectedly refined, polite, etc. Webster's New World.
