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genteelly

genteelly

1 7.2
In a polite and elegant way
  • adverb
  • /dʒɛnˈtiːli/
  • Archaic
translation icon : con elegancia
  • And there is a somewhat disconcerting possibility that Politico's book suggests when it claims Emanuel has genteelly opined that "voters don't give a fuck about that stuff," referring to super PAC spending.

Examples

  • But they won't take me unless I can talk more genteelly.

    Blog text (12)
  • The Indianapolis scenes, in which senior partner Randall Killigan goes about genteelly bashing in the heads of opposing counsel, show Dooling at his most scathingly satirical.

    Academic text (1998)
  • It was genteelly unobtrusive, entered from a side aisle, and was located well towards the back.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • Ortega and Flint nodded genteelly to each mourner in turn.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • She smiles dazzlingly as she sits and arranges her hands genteelly on her lap.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • Two young black wolves jumped into the water, and others pounced on each other and played, while their elders lapped genteelly at the cool water and found comfortable places to nap.

    Blog text (26)
  • She speaks genteelly, always using polite language and elegant expressions.

  • The guests were greeted genteelly by the host, who made sure everyone felt comfortable.

  • He moved genteelly, careful not to disturb the quiet atmosphere of the room.

Synonyms

politely
vsgenteelly
108 1.0

In a way that shows respect for other people

is more refined and stylish than plain polite behaviour
respectfully
vsgenteelly
101 2.3

In a polite way to someone

focuses less on respectful duty and more on elegant politeness
gracefully
vsgenteelly
56 2.8

In a smooth and beautiful way that looks controlled

focuses more on social polish and polite manner than physical movement
graciously
vsgenteelly
41 3.9

In a kind and polite way that shows respect

is more about polished, genteel formality than personal kindness
elegantly
vsgenteelly
22 3.9

In a graceful and stylish way

is more about polite refinement and social manners than mere style
civilly
vsgenteelly
12 4.2

In a polite and respectful way

adds an extra layer of elegant refinement beyond simple politeness
courteously
vsgenteelly
4 2.8

In a polite and respectful way

carries more of an elegant, refined tone than basic politeness
daintily
vsgenteelly
3 4.2

To move or act in a small, careful, delicate way

is broader, covering general polite elegance rather than delicate action
suavely
vsgenteelly
1 7.4

In a smooth, confident way that charms people

is gentler and more quietly polite rather than overtly charming
chivalrously
vsgenteelly
1 7.8

In a polite and brave way towards others

is gentler and more socially refined rather than specifically chivalrous
sophisticatedly
vsgenteelly
7.1

In a way that shows good taste and polite manners

stresses gentle politeness and elegance rather than worldly sophistication
urbanely
vsgenteelly
  • Formal
7.2

In a polite, confident way that shows good manners

leans more toward mild, delicate politeness than bold urban confidence
aristocratically
vsgenteelly
  • Formal
8.8

In a way that shows the calm, elegant style of a rich, important person

applies more generally to polite, refined behaviour across social levels

Antonyms

10 4.2

Using large, rough pieces rather than small ones

How Refined

elegantly
22 3.9
genteelly
  • Archaic
1 7.2
gracefully
56 2.8
politely
108 1.0

Surface Forms

genteelly positive

Morphology

genteelly = genteel (transparent) = genteel + ly

Formed by adding the adverbial suffix '-ly' to the adjective 'genteel', so the meaning is directly derived.

Etymology

The word genteelly comes from genteel, which comes from old words meaning 'well born' or 'of good family'. Think of a gentleman who is polite and elegant, so to act genteelly is to behave in a refined, polite way.