1 genteel | Definition of genteel
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genteel

adjective
gen·​teel | \ jen-ˈtÄ“l How to pronounce genteel (audio) \

Definition of genteel

1a : having an aristocratic quality or flavor : stylish
b : of or relating to the gentry or upper class a person of genteel upbringing
c : elegant or graceful in manner, appearance, or shape the genteel manners of an old southern gentleman
d : free from vulgarity or rudeness : polite
2a : 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 timid and genteel artistic style
Other Words from genteel Synonyms & Antonyms Get Fancy With Genteel More Example Sentences Learn More about genteel

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Other Words from genteel

genteelly \ jen-​ˈtÄ“(l)-​lÄ“ How to pronounce genteelly (audio) \ adverb
genteelness noun

Get Fancy With Genteel

In Roman times, the Latin noun gens was used to refer to a clan, a group of related people. Its plural gentes was used to designate all the people of the world, particularly non-Romans. An adjective form, gentilis, applied to both senses. Over time, the adjective was borrowed and passed through several languages. It came into Old French as gentil, a word that then meant "high-born" (in modern French it means "nice"); that term was carried over into Anglo-French, where English speakers found and borrowed it in the early 17th century.

Examples of genteel in a Sentence

a person of genteel upbringing She was born into a genteel family. an elderly woman living in genteel poverty speaking in a genteel accent They lived in a more genteel era. the genteel manners of an old southern gentleman
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Disappointment from Dettori fans and excited shrieks from Deirdre backers bubble around the grandstands, but soon the genteel air settles and conversations resume. — Rob Hodgetts, CNN, "Goodwood brings glorious end to English social season," 8 Aug. 2019 With so many games, baseball is different from football — more casual, less amped, almost genteel. — Chris Erskinecolumnist, Los Angeles Times, "Postcard From L.A.: A classic ballyard that feels like home, even in the nosebleeds," 15 Aug. 2019 In its long pursuit of a more genteel white supremacy—a unique Virginia Way of oppression—the state has nurtured the denial, the failure to see, that Ralph Northam represents. — Drew Gilpin Faust, The Atlantic, "Race, History, and Memories of a Virginia Girlhood," 18 July 2019 The final movement, a hunting song, more evoked a genteel tableau than a chase. — Zoë Madonna, BostonGlobe.com, "Boston Symphony Orchestra begins Tanglewood season in style," 7 July 2019 This was especially true of guitarist and lead singer Dan Wilson, whose voice during the 1990s was charmingly thin, with a genteel falsetto and an overall warble. — Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Summerfest 2019: Skillet, Semisonic, more of the best and worst from the side stages on Day 10," 6 July 2019 How on earth did the fiery New Orleans star team up with the genteel Vermont ice cream makers? — Doug Maccash, nola.com, "Big Freedia partners with Ben & Jerry’s for ice cream benefit," 27 June 2019 More Stories Much of the show’s genteel, celebratory sensibility comes from the presence of Curry herself. — Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, "The Wholesome Fun of Family Food Fight," 21 June 2019 This list of accomplishments and accolades, as well as his genteel persona, should not mask Will’s talent for controversy. — Matthew Continetti, National Review, "The Conservative Sensibility Is George Will’s Definitive Declaration," 20 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'genteel.' 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 genteel

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for genteel

borrowed from French gentil literally, "of aristocratic birth," going back to Old French — more at gentle entry 1

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More Definitions for genteel

genteel

adjective
How to pronounce genteel (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of genteel

somewhat old-fashioned : of or relating to people who have high social status
: pretending or trying to have the qualities and manners of people who have high social status
: having a quietly appealing or polite quality

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

genteel

adjective
gen·​teel | \ jen-ˈtÄ“l How to pronounce genteel (audio) \

Kids Definition of genteel

1 : relating to the upper classes a genteel family
2 : having an elegant, tasteful, or polite quality genteel behavior

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More from Merriam-Webster on genteel

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with genteel

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for genteel

Spanish Central: Translation of genteel

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