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chivalrous

adjective
chiv·​al·​rous | \ ˈshi-vÉ™l-rÉ™s How to pronounce chivalrous (audio) \

Definition of chivalrous

1 : valiant chivalrous warriors
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of chivalry and knight-errantry a chivalrous quest
3a : marked by honor, generosity, and courtesy appreciated the chivalrous acts of the general
b : marked by gracious courtesy and high-minded consideration especially to women A chivalrous man offered the woman his seat on the crowded bus.
Other Words from chivalrous Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about chivalrous

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Other Words from chivalrous

chivalrously adverb
chivalrousness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for chivalrous

civil, polite, courteous, gallant, chivalrous mean observant of the forms required by good breeding. civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness. owed the questioner a civil reply polite commonly implies polish of speech and manners and sometimes suggests an absence of cordiality. if you can't be pleasant, at least be polite courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness. clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers gallant and chivalrous imply courteous attentiveness especially to women. gallant suggests spirited and dashing behavior and ornate expressions of courtesy. a gallant suitor of the old school chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior. a chivalrous display of duty

Examples of chivalrous in a Sentence

a kind and chivalrous man still engages in chivalrous behavior, such as holding doors for people

Recent Examples on the Web

 Anyone who did anything less than chivalrous—say, striking an opponent in the groin, neck, or other sensitive region—risked a color card from the ref. — Laura Mallonee, WIRED, "For These Sword-Wielding Warriors, Medieval Battles Live On," 27 Aug. 2019 The narrator then steps in to offer his aid, and —in moment that in 2019 that reads, decidedly, creepy—pushes the two back together in a less-than-chivalrous manner. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "Fragment of ‘The Rose Thorn,’ a Poem About a Talking Vulva, Dated to the 1300s," 3 Aug. 2019 Stellan SkarsgÃ¥rd as Toby’s dastardly boss, Olga Kurylenko as the boss’ vampy wife and Joana Ribeiro as a damsel in distress who becomes the focus of Javier’s chivalrous intent. — Justin Chang, latimes.com, "Terry Gilliam gets his long-overdue moment with ‘The Man Who Killed Don Quixote’ at Cannes," 20 May 2018 Old-school tradition dictated that the guy paid as part of a chivalrous courtship. — Michelle Singletary, BostonGlobe.com, "Who should foot the bill on the first date?," 1 June 2018 This myth that Drake is less reckless and more chivalrous than rappers like, say, Future, needs to be debunked. — refinery29.com, "Can We Finally Admit Drake Isn't The "Good Guy" We Thought He Was?," 29 June 2018 In this re-telling Don Quixote, two scamps traveling through 16th-century Spain will tell the adventures of the chivalrous nobleman. — Anchorage Daily News, "Coming up: Backyard Country BBQ, Alaska Hempfest and a night of island and reggae music," 21 June 2018 Aside from the unusual attribution of chivalrous motives to Donald Trump, Cramer seems to be ignoring the inherently duplicitous approach taken to incumbents from the other party by people in the White House who might need their votes. — Ed Kilgore, Daily Intelligencer, "North Dakota’s GOP Senate Candidate Complains That Trump Is Being Too Nice to a Democrat," 12 June 2018 Edward III, inspired by the chivalry of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, set up his own chivalrous order, the Order of the Garter, whose spiritual home is St. George's. — Joanna Pocock, latimes.com, "Watching the royal wedding on the telly? Here's what you need to know about St. George's Chapel and Windsor Castle," 13 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'chivalrous.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of chivalrous

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for chivalrous

see chivalry

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More Definitions for chivalrous

chivalrous

adjective
How to pronounce chivalrous (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of chivalrous

: behaving in an honorable or polite way especially toward women
: showing respect and politeness especially toward women

See the full definition for chivalrous in the English Language Learners Dictionary

chivalrous

adjective
chiv·​al·​rous | \ ˈshi-vÉ™l-rÉ™s How to pronounce chivalrous (audio) \

Kids Definition of chivalrous

1 : of or relating to a knight or knighthood chivalrous adventures
2 : having or showing honor, generosity, and courtesy a chivalrous and kind man
3 : showing special courtesy and regard to women chivalrous behavior

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More from Merriam-Webster on chivalrous

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for chivalrous

Spanish Central: Translation of chivalrous

Nglish: Translation of chivalrous for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of chivalrous for Arabic Speakers

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