gallantly
Americanadverb
-
in a way that shows exceptional politeness and attentiveness to others, especially women.
My husband gallantly offered to hitchhike to a gas station while I remained on the boat with our dog.
-
in a courageous, spirited, or noble-minded way.
He fell while gallantly leading his platoon in one of the hardest-fought battles of the war.
-
in a grand, showy, or magnificent way.
I've heard stories about how he would parade around gallantly in full knightly attire at the Renaissance fair.
Other Word Forms
- quasi-gallantly adverb
- supergallantly adverb
- ungallantly adverb
Etymology
Origin of gallantly
First recorded in 1550–60; gallant ( def. ) + -ly
Explanation
Use the adverb gallantly to describe something done in a heroic or chivalrous manner. You can gallantly slay a dragon or gallantly offer an elderly man your seat on the bus. Think of the lyrics to the "Star Spangled Banner," which describe the “broad stripes and bright stars” that were so “gallantly streaming.” The flag was waving gallantly — meaning bravely and grandly — through the battle. But you don't have to be in a war to do something gallantly. You might play gallantly during the second half of the championship game to lead your team to victory.
Vocabulary lists containing gallantly
The Outsiders
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 7–11
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Star-Spangled Banner
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Arenales gallantly stepping up to support Espinal against a social firing squad sparked a flame between the two.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 15, 2025
While it turned out that wombats weren’t gallantly ushering woodland creatures out of harm’s way, Dr. Nimmo decided to explore the role of their burrows in forest ecosystems affected by a fire.
From New York Times • Jun. 6, 2024
My research assistant gallantly stepped in, taking one bite and pronouncing this particular specimen a colossal fail.
From Seattle Times • Dec. 5, 2023
"During an intense exchange of fire, six brave soldiers, having fought gallantly, embraced martyrdom," the army said in a statement, adding that the clash took place in North Waziristan.
From Reuters • Aug. 22, 2023
He opened an eye and tried gallantly to smile.
From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
