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Glite Dictionary
genteelness

genteelness

8.5
A polite, graceful way of behaving, speaking, and dressing
  • noun
  • /dʒɛnˈtiːlnəs/
translation icon : genteelidad
  • The genteelness of the decor in the old mansion impressed all the guests during the tour.

Examples

  • They have no genteelness about them.

    Blog text (5)

  • He approached the interview with a sense of genteelness, carefully choosing his words and demeanor.

  • Her genteelness was evident in the way she spoke and carried herself at the formal dinner.

Synonyms

class
vsgenteelness
690 4.8

A polite, stylish way of acting or dressing

leans toward elegance of manner and appearance over social rank
elegance
vsgenteelness
47 3.5

A graceful, stylish way of looking or behaving that shows good taste

focuses more on manner speech or appearance rather than social position
breeding
vsgenteelness
24 6.7

Polite manners learned from family or education

focuses on outward elegance rather than background or family origin
gentility
vsgenteelness
4 7.9

Polite and elegant behavior that shows high social standing

is the same idea but names the general quality of being refined
urbanity
vsgenteelness
  • Formal
1 7.9

A polite, calm, and stylish way of behaving common in cities

is more general refinement not limited to city social style
classiness
vsgenteelness
1 4.1

A quality of being elegant, stylish, and showing good taste

is broader covering elegance in speech or general behavior too
tastefulness
vsgenteelness
1 4.5

A sense of good style in clothes, design, or manners

emphasizes social polish and refined speech more than aesthetic taste
courtliness
vsgenteelness
  • Literature
1 8.1

Polite and elegant behavior like people at a royal court

covers general refined manner rather than specifically royal politeness
suaveness
vsgenteelness
7.3

A smooth, charming way of behaving that makes people feel relaxed

emphasizes simple refinement and elegance rather than charming smoothness

Antonyms

rudeness
27 1.8

Lack of politeness or respect for other people

vulgarity
  • NSFW
18 7.4

A lack of good taste and politeness in speech or behavior

How Refined

elegance
47 3.5
refinement
10 5.9
genteelness
8.5
politeness
26 1.3
plainness
1 3.5

Surface Forms

genteelness singular
genteelnesses plural

Morphology

genteelness = genteel (transparent) = genteel + ness

A straightforward nominalization of the adjective 'genteel' with the productive suffix '-ness' forming the quality or state.

Etymology

Genteelness comes from an old word gentle that once meant 'from a good family' or 'noble'. Think of a gentleman, someone taught to be polite and proper, and you can see why genteelness means polite, elegant behavior.