Gentility — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /jen-ˈti-lə-tē/ gen·til·i·ty

Meaning & Definition of Gentility

Gentility (noun)

  1. the condition of belonging to the gentry
  2. gentlefolk, gentry
  3. decorum of conduct, courtesy

Gentility (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. speech or behavior that is a sign of good breeding

    "was full of the same gentility and grace that marked the rest of the family"

    similar: civility, courteousness, courtesy, genteelness, graciousness, mannerliness, politeness
    related: attentiveness, consideration, thoughtfulness, ceremonialness, ceremoniousness, ceremony, formality, chivalrousness, chivalry, courtliness, gallantry, gentlemanliness, knighthood, knightliness, breeding, manners, suaveness, unctuousness, urbanity, elegance, refinement, deference, respect, decency, decorousness, decorum, gentilesse, polish, politesse, propriety, respectability, seemliness, affability, cordiality, friendliness, geniality, hospitality, sociability, felicitousness, gracefulness, humility, meekness, modesty, shyness
    opposite: discourteousness, discourtesy, impoliteness, incivility, rudeness, surliness, ungraciousness
    near: audaciousness, audacity, boldness, brashness, brassiness, disrespect, impertinence, impudence, insolence, sauciness, shamelessness, boorishness, churlishness, clownishness, loutishness, vulgarity, casualness, informality, delinquency, improperness, impropriety, inappropriateness, incorrectness, indecency, inconsiderateness, inconsideration, thoughtlessness, arrogance, conceit, presumption, pretentiousness

  2. the highest class in a society

    "as members of the gentility, they felt an obligation to help the less fortunate"

    similar: aristocracy, elite, gentlefolk, gentry, nobility, patriciate, quality, upper class, upper crust
    related: A-list, beau monde, beautiful people, café society, Four Hundred, glitterati, haut monde, jet set, society, carriage trade, plutocracy
    opposite: proletarians, proletariat
    near: commoners, (the) crowd, (the) masses, peasantry, peonage, (the) people, plebeians, plebs, (the) populace, (the) public, rank and file, bourgeoisie, middle class, working class, dregs, (the) herd, (the) mob, rabble, rabblement, riffraff, scum, trash

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Gentility

The most common words with a similar meaning to Gentility:

civility, courteousness, courtesy, genteelness, graciousness, mannerliness, politeness, aristocracy, elite, gentlefolk, gentry, nobility, patriciate, quality, upper class, upper crust

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Gentility

Words with the opposite meaning of Gentility:

discourteousness, discourtesy, impoliteness, incivility, rudeness, surliness, ungraciousness, proletarians, proletariat

Related Words for Gentility

attentiveness, consideration, thoughtfulness, ceremonialness, ceremoniousness, ceremony, formality, chivalrousness, chivalry, courtliness, gallantry, gentlemanliness, knighthood, knightliness, breeding, manners, suaveness, unctuousness, urbanity, elegance, refinement, deference, respect, decency, decorousness, decorum, gentilesse, polish, politesse, propriety

Near Antonyms of Gentility

audaciousness, audacity, boldness, brashness, brassiness, disrespect, impertinence, impudence, insolence, sauciness, shamelessness, boorishness, churlishness, clownishness, loutishness, vulgarity, casualness, informality, delinquency, improperness, impropriety, inappropriateness, incorrectness, indecency, inconsiderateness, inconsideration, thoughtlessness, arrogance, conceit, presumption

Word Forms of Gentility

Inflections: gentilities

Origin & Etymology of Gentility

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Gentility

What does "Gentility" mean?

"Gentility" means the condition of belonging to the gentry. As a noun, it is defined as: the condition of belonging to the gentry. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Gentility"?

Other words for "Gentility" include civility, courteousness, courtesy, genteelness, graciousness, mannerliness, politeness and aristocracy. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Gentility" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Gentility"?

There are 71 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Gentility". Common alternatives include civility, courteousness, courtesy, genteelness, graciousness, mannerliness, politeness, aristocracy, elite and gentlefolk.

What is the opposite of "Gentility"?

Antonyms of "Gentility" include discourteousness, discourtesy, impoliteness, incivility, rudeness, surliness, ungraciousness and proletarians. Near antonyms include audaciousness, audacity, boldness and brashness.

How do you use "Gentility" in a sentence?

Examples of "Gentility" in a sentence: "was full of the same gentility and grace that marked the rest of the family"; "as members of the gentility, they felt an obligation to help the less fortunate".

Is "Gentility" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Gentility" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Gentility"?

"Gentility" is pronounced /jen-ˈti-lə-tē/ and divided into syllables as gen·til·i·ty.

What is the origin of the word "Gentility"?

First known use: 14th century.