genteel

adjective

gen·​teel jen-ˈtēl 

1

a

: 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

2

a

: 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

genteelly

jen-ˈtē(l)-lē 

adverb

genteelness noun

Did you know?

Get Fancy With Genteel

The word genteel has some familiar English relatives, including gentle, gentrify, and gentility. All come from the Latin noun gens, used to refer to a group of related people. That word's plural, gentes, was used in Roman times to classify the people of the world, particularly non-Romans. Similarly, the English gentile refers to people who are not Jewish, or who don’t follow other specific religions. Many non-English words come from gens as well, including the Spanish gente, meaning “people.” To say gens has made its mark would be putting it gently.

Synonyms

• befitting
• correct
• de rigueur
• decent
• decorous
• nice
• polite
• proper
• respectable
• seemly

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Under more genteel circumstances, the film might be described as a story of education, something like David Copperfield but with endless explosions, chases, fires, maimings and murders. —Tom Gliatto, Peoplemag, 24 May 2024

But the muted, genteel tone of the novel’s opening section continues into this exciting new American era, via the first-person voice of Katherine Taylor, Nick and Bet’s daughter, now in her early 20s. —Kate Christensen, New York Times, 11 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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Kids Definition

genteel

adjective

gen·​teel jen-ˈtē(ə)l 

1

: of or relating to the upper classes

2

: elegant sense 1, graceful

3

: free from bad manners or bad taste

genteelly

-ˈtē(ə)l-lē 

adverb

genteelness noun