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Showing results for gentility. Search instead for gentilit.
Definitions

gentility

[jen-til-i-tee] / dʒɛnˈtɪl ɪ ti /
NOUN
sophistication, cultivation
Synonyms
STRONGEST
aristocracy civility decorum elegance politeness propriety respectability
STRONG
courtesy courtliness culture elite etiquette flower formality gentlefolk gentry nobility polish quality rank refinement society urbanity
WEAK
blue blood gentle birth good breeding good family good manners high birth mannerliness optimacy ruling class upper class upper crust
Antonyms
STRONGEST
bad manners impoliteness rudeness
WEAK
coarseness crudeness roughness rusticity

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As Hemingway exclaimed in the voice of Jake Barnes, “It’s funny what a wonderful gentility you get in the bar of a big hotel.”

From Salon • Nov. 8, 2025

Du Maurier’s world is one of pinched gentility.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 24, 2025

The story is in no sense a petition for the return of the monarchy but contrasts Old World gentility with the heartlessness of the surveillance state, culture against the assassination of culture.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2024

Described as a study of masculinity, the collection blended strength and gentility with a focus on refinement.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 22, 2023

"It's funny what a wonderful gentility you get in the bar of a big hotel," I said.

From "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway