genteel
English
Etymology
Borrowed from French gentil (“gentile”), from Latin gentīlis (“of or belonging to the same people or nation”), from gēns (“clan; tribe; people, family”) + adjective suffix -īlis (“-ile”). Doublet of gentle and gentile. See also gens, gender, genus, and generation.
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /d͡ʒɛnˈtiːl/
Adjective
genteel (comparative more genteel, superlative most genteel)
- Affectedly proper or refined; somewhat prudish refinement; excessively polite.
- 1976, Saul Bellow, Humboldt's Gift, New York: Avon, →ISBN, page 407:
- Genteel America was handicapped by meagerness of soul, thinness of temper, paucity of talent.
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- Polite and well-mannered.
- Stylish or elegant.
- Aristocratic.
Derived terms
- genteel business
- genteelism
- genteelly
- shabby-genteel
Related terms
- gentleman
Translations
excessively polite and well-mannered
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Stylish, elegant
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Aristocratic
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Anagrams
- genelet