chivalrous

American  

[shiv-uhl-ruhs] / ˈʃɪv əl rəs /

adjective

1. having the qualities of chivalry, as courage, courtesy, and loyalty.

   Synonyms:

   devoted, true, faithful, courtly, valiant, dauntless, fearless

   Antonyms:

   disloyal, rude, cowardly

2. considerate and courteous to women; gallant.

3. gracious and honorable toward an enemy, especially a defeated one, and toward the weak or poor.

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chivalrous British  

/ ˈʃɪvəlrəs /

adjective

1. gallant; courteous

2. involving chivalry

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Other Word Forms

• chivalrously adverb
• chivalrousness noun
• nonchivalrous adjective
• nonchivalrously adverb
• nonchivalrousness noun
• superchivalrous adjective
• superchivalrously adverb
• superchivalrousness noun
• unchivalrous adjective
• unchivalrously adverb
• unchivalrousness noun

Etymology

Origin of chivalrous

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English chevalrous, from Middle French chevalerous, equivalent to chevalier chevalier + -ous -ous

Explanation

A person who is courteous and attentive can be described as chivalrous: “The chivalrous stranger picked up the packages Veronica dropped and held the door open while she entered the apartment building.” The word chivalrous originally described gallantry, valor, honor, and courtesy, associated with the medieval code of knighthood. Medieval knights are no longer with us, but chivalrous has survived in modern usage, usually to describe a man — or a behavior — showing courtesy or attentiveness toward women. So the guy holding the door open for you with a flourish may or may not be your “knight in shining armor," but his chivalrous act gives him something in common with the medieval knights of lore.

Example Sentences

That's one of the things that struck me about it, this very old-timey chivalrous idea.

From Salon • Sep. 28, 2024

Now, scientists have observed a pair of chivalrous birds joining the conversation.

From Science Magazine • Mar. 25, 2024

The chivalrous Reynolds followed them to police court and paid the fine that was by rights Anderson’s.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 8, 2022

Depp adjusts a phone cord near Camille Vasquez, his attorney, and the gesture is replayed in slow motion and exalted as a chivalrous deed.

From New York Times • May 26, 2022

“That is chivalrous of you,” said Lord Tytos.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin