Word
gallantry
Phoneticsgal·lantry
US/ˈɡæɫəntɹi/
UK/ɡˈæləntɹˌi/
Definition
n. the quality of being brave and showing great courage, especially in a dangerous situation. It often describes someone who helps others even when they are in danger themselves.
n. the quality of being brave or courageous, especially in the face of danger or adversity. Often used to describe acts of heroism or self-sacrifice.
Examples
“The soldier showed great gallantry during the rescue mission.”
“The award was given to the officer for his gallantry in saving several civilians during the flood.”
“While the general was celebrated for his strategic brilliance, it was the private's quiet gallantry that truly moved the public, as he risked his life to carry the wounded to safety.”
Examples
simple
“The soldier showed great gallantry during the rescue mission.”
contextual
“The award was given to the officer for his gallantry in saving several civilians during the flood.”
complex
“While the general was celebrated for his strategic brilliance, it was the private's quiet gallantry that truly moved the public, as he risked his life to carry the wounded to safety.”
Real-World Examples
“Ludovico Ariosto’s epic poem Orlando Furioso (1532) described guns as a ‘foul and pestilent discovery’, weapons through which ‘no more shall gallantry, no more shall valour prove their prowess’.” “Charles Edwards, meanwhile, maintains an endless gallantry as the visiting diplomat whose social skills are strained to the limit as he falls beneath Judith’s spell.” Etymology
From French galanterie, equivalent to gallant + -ry.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/gallantry