genteel

[jen-teel]

adjective

1. belonging or suited to polite society.

2. well-bred or refined; polite; elegant; stylish.

3. affectedly or pretentiously polite, delicate, etc.

genteel

/ dʒɛnˈtiːl /

adjective

1. affectedly proper or refined; excessively polite

2. respectable, polite, and well-bred

   a genteel old lady

3. appropriate to polite or fashionable society

   genteel behaviour

Other Word Forms

• genteelly adverb
• genteelness noun
• pseudogenteel adjective
• quasi-genteel adjective
• quasi-genteelly adverb
• ungenteel adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of genteel¹

1590–1600; < French gentil; gentle

Word History and Origins

Origin of genteel¹

C16: from French gentil well-born; see _gentle

Example Sentences

It will be interesting to see how Venkatesham's elevation, given his genteel and friendly personality, changes the dynamics between Tottenham and their rivals at boardroom level.

From BBC

“The Aviator and the Showman” is a lavish, layered narrative, a primer on early aviation and the transition of publishing from genteel carriage trade to an industry increasingly reliant on blockbusters.

From Los Angeles Times

He embarrassed the more genteel of his countrymen by bragging about his Open victories in the presence of Vardon.

From Los Angeles Times

Like LIV, TGL may struggle to win over traditional die-hard golf fans with its raucous environment, which is in stark contrast to the more genteel way golf is usually played.

From BBC

Kantorow, on the other hand, is more a genius of the genteel.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aristocratic 
• elegant 
• noble 
• ostentatious 
• polite 
• refined 
• stylish