gentleman
/'dʤentlmən/
Definition
Noun: 1. A man who is polite, well-mannered, and considerate, especially towards others: This is the core meaning, referring to a man of good character, refinement, and honorable conduct. 2. A man of good social position, especially one of wealth and leisure who does not need to work for a living: This historical or formal meaning denotes a man belonging to a particular social class. 3. (Formal or polite) A man: Used as a polite or formal term of reference for any man. 4. (Archaic) A manservant or personal attendant: A man employed as a valet or personal servant.
Usage Examples
- Meaning 1 (Polite/Considerate Man):
- He held the door open for her; he is a true gentleman.
- It's important to teach boys to be gentlemen.
- Meaning 2 (Man of Social Position):
- In the 19th century, a gentleman often lived off income from land or investments.
- The club was reserved for gentlemen of a certain standing.
- Meaning 3 (Polite Reference):
- "There's a gentleman here to see you," the secretary said.
- Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our speaker.
- Meaning 4 (Manservant):
- In the novel, Bertie Wooster relies on his gentleman, Jeeves.
Advanced Usage
- "A gentleman's agreement": An informal, unwritten agreement based on trust and honor rather than a legal contract.
- They sealed the deal with a handshake and a gentleman's agreement.
- "A gentleman and a scholar": A humorous or complimentary phrase praising someone as both well-mannered and knowledgeable.
- Thank you for your help; you are a gentleman and a scholar.
Variants and Related Words
- Gentlemanly (adjective): Having the qualities of a gentleman; chivalrous, polite.
- His gentlemanly behavior was appreciated by everyone.
- Gentlemanliness (noun): The quality of being gentlemanly.
- Gentleman farmer (noun): A man who farms for pleasure rather than as a primary occupation.
Synonyms
- For Meaning 1: Courteous man, chivalrous man, man of honor.
- For Meaning 3: Man, fellow (less formal).
- For Meaning 4: Valet, manservant, attendant.
Related Phrases
- Ladies and gentlemen: A formal address to an audience.
- Country gentleman: A man of good family and independent income living in a rural area.
Related Idioms
- To be no gentleman: To behave in a rude or dishonorable way.
- He took the last piece of cake without asking; he's no gentleman.
Noun
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a manservant who acts as a personal attendant to his employer
-
Jeeves was Bertie Wooster's man
-
-
a man of refinement
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