noun
gentleman
JEN-tuhl-muhn/ˈdʒentlmən/
A man recognized as having respectable social standing.
The gentleman holds the door for someone carrying parcels.
Etymology
The clan connection in gentilis developed into noble birth, making a gentleman originally a well-born man. The word then shifted toward the courtesy and honor expected of such a man, regardless of rank.
In context
The poor gentleman has no way of showing that he is a gentleman but by virtue, by being affable, well- bred, courteous, gentle- mannered, and kindly
More examples
- He lives as a country gentleman on his inherited estate.
- The club once admitted only gentlemen of established social standing.
- In the novel, she marries a gentleman from a prominent family.
Forms
gentleman · gentlemen
gentility noun — Respectability associated with high social standing.
Similar words
- aristocrat
- Specifies membership in the upper class, often through birth.
- nobleman
- Specifies a man with recognized noble rank or title.