gallantly

[gal-uhnt-lee]

adverb

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of gallantly¹

First recorded in 1550–60; gallant ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

At Primavera Sound Barcelona, Rhian Teasdale, 32, emerges from smoke, stained the color orange by stage lights, gallantly flexing her arms in the air.

From Los Angeles Times

"We want to thank everyone who has responded urgently and gallantly to this incident."

From BBC

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

My research assistant gallantly stepped in, taking one bite and pronouncing this particular specimen a colossal fail.

From Seattle Times

Smith gallantly returned and almost pulled out the win.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• amiably www.thesaurus.com
• attentively 
• cordially 
• gently 
• graciously 
• kindly 
• respectfully www.thesaurus.com
• tactfully www.thesaurus.com