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genteel

Adjective

IPA /dʒenˈtiːl/

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Meaning in plain English

Polite and refined in a way that suggests high social status, sometimes rather affectedly.

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Pronunciation

genteel/dʒenˈtiːl/

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An elegant social setting
Carefully refined manners

Genteel describes a refined and polite manner, sometimes with an effort to appear socially superior.

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The novel describes a genteel gathering with carefully observed manners.
The actor adopted a genteel voice for the wealthy character.

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The novel describes a ________ gathering with carefully observed manners.

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genteel — Polite and refined in a way that suggests high social status, sometimes rather affectedly.

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Polite and refined in a way that suggests high social status, sometimes rather affectedly.

Compare: The novel describes a genteel gathering with carefully observed manners.

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Word origin

From French gentil, historically meaning well-born.

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Genteel manner and genteel accent can suggest carefully maintained social refinement.

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