Word
gentlemanly
Phoneticsgen·tle·man·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdʒɛnəɫmənɫi/
UK/dʒˈɛntəlmənli/
Definition
adj. polite, kind and respectful in the way you treat other people. You use it to describe a man with very good, traditional manners.
adj. courteous, considerate and honourable in manner, conforming to traditional ideals of a gentleman's behaviour.
Examples
“He gives his seat to others in a gentlemanly way.”
“He made a gentlemanly gesture and carried her heavy suitcase to the platform.”
“Despite the heated debate, he kept a gentlemanly tone, listening patiently and conceding points with quiet grace.”
Examples
simple
“He gives his seat to others in a gentlemanly way.”
contextual
“He made a gentlemanly gesture and carried her heavy suitcase to the platform.”
complex
“Despite the heated debate, he kept a gentlemanly tone, listening patiently and conceding points with quiet grace.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “gentlemanly” in context.
Verb
01. be gentlemanly
“He always tries to be gentlemanly towards his colleagues.”
verb + adj
02. remain gentlemanly
“Despite the provocation, he remained gentlemanly to the end.”
verb + adj
Adjective
03. entirely gentlemanly
“His conduct during the negotiations remained entirely gentlemanly.”
adv + adj
04. perfectly gentlemanly
“His reply was perfectly gentlemanly and calm throughout the debate.”
adv + adj
05. quite gentlemanly
“He was quite gentlemanly, holding the door open for everyone.”
adv + adj
Noun
06. gentlemanly behaviour
“The captain was praised for his gentlemanly behaviour on the field.”
adj + noun
07. gentlemanly conduct
“The committee expects gentlemanly conduct from all its members.”
adj + noun
08. gentlemanly gesture
“Offering his seat to the elderly woman was a gentlemanly gesture.”
adj + noun
09. gentlemanly manner
“He apologized in a gentlemanly manner and shook my hand.”
adj + noun
10. behave in a gentlemanly way
“He always behaves in a gentlemanly way towards his guests.”
11. in a gentlemanly fashion
“He accepted defeat in a gentlemanly fashion and congratulated the winner.”
12. remain gentlemanly under pressure
“A good leader remains gentlemanly under pressure, even in a crisis.”
Usage
Typically placed before the noun it modifies ('gentlemanly behaviour'); also used after linking verbs such as 'be'.
Etymology
From Middle English gentilmanly; equivalent to gentleman + -ly (adjectival suffix).
From Middle English gentilmanly; equivalent to gentleman + -ly (adverbial suffix).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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