Chivalrous Meaning, Modern Usage, Examples and Quiz

Chivalrous (adjective). Chivalrous describes behaviour that shows courtesy, honour and a willingness to help. The word is traditionally associated with knights and, in everyday usage, especially with a man showing considerate attention to women.

Example: He made a chivalrous gesture by offering his seat to a woman carrying a sleeping baby.

Pronunciation guide: SHIV-uhl-ruhs. Capital letters show the stressed syllable.

Explore the usage · Try the three-question quiz · Keep learning

What does chivalrous mean today?

Today, the word can praise a considerate gesture or an honourable action. It often has a traditional or slightly old-fashioned tone. In a neutral everyday description, kind, considerate or courteous may be simpler choices.

The word does not by itself mean romantic interest. Offering help can be described as chivalrous without implying that the person is flirting.

Examples of chivalrous in a sentence

• She appreciated his chivalrous offer to carry the heavy suitcase.
• The story presents its hero as a chivalrous knight who keeps his promises.
• His chivalrous response was to defend the absent colleague from an unfair accusation.

The first sentence describes a considerate offer, the second a literary ideal, and the third honourable conduct.

Chivalrous, courteous and gentlemanly

Courteous describes polite, considerate behaviour broadly. Chivalrous adds an association with honour, gallantry or traditional ideals of conduct. Gentlemanly commonly describes manners associated with a gentleman.

These words overlap, but they are not interchangeable in every sentence. For a helpful receptionist, “courteous” usually gives a clearer, less loaded description.

Pronunciation and related forms

Start chivalrous with the sh sound, as in ship. Put the strongest stress on the first syllable.

Chivalrously is the adverb: “He acted chivalrously.” Chivalry is the related noun. Unchivalrous describes behaviour that lacks the courtesy or honour expected in that context.

Where does the word come from?

English borrowed the word from French forms connected with chivalry and knighthood. Its historical senses include bravery and knightly conduct. Stories about King Arthur illustrate the literary ideal; they should not be presented as verified accounts of how all medieval knights behaved.

Useful alternatives include gallant, honourable and courteous. The best choice depends on the action you are describing.

Practise chivalrous: three quick questions

Try each question before opening its answer. For the writing question, your own correct sentence is welcome.

Question 1

Does “a chivalrous gesture” usually describe A) considerate behaviour or B) a careless mistake?

Question 2

Which sound starts chivalrous: the ch in chair or the sh in ship?

Question 3

Rewrite “He behaved in a chivalrous way” using one adverb.

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Compare these words next: Camaraderie meaning and practice and Furtive meaning and practice.

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Dictionary reference: Merriam-Webster: Chivalrous. The examples and practice questions on this page are written for English Skill Studio.