ENGLISH
REFERENCE

gentleman

n. countable
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ˈdʒɛnəɫmən// UK //dʒˈɛntəlmən// gen·tle·man Archaic General-service Vulgar

n. a man who is polite, honest, and treats other people with respect. You can also use it as a formal way to address or talk about any man.

n. a man of refined manners and high standards of conduct; also used as a formal or polite designation for any male. Historically associated with high social status or land ownership, though modern usage focuses on chivalrous behaviour.


SIMPLE

He is a true gentleman and always holds the door open.

CONTEXTUAL

The host asked the gentleman in the front row to stand up and introduce himself to the group.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English gentilman, morphologically gentle + man, partial calque of Old French gentilhome.

Usage

Often used in the plural 'gentlemen' as a formal vocative in speeches or on signage for public facilities.

Idioms2 entries

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