ungentlemanly
/'ʌn'dʤentlmənli/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Not befitting a gentleman; lacking the qualities of courtesy, honor, or chivalry expected of a gentleman. It describes behavior that is rude, discourteous, or dishonorable.
Usage and Examples
- Adjective:
- His ungentlemanly conduct during the debate shocked the audience. (His rude behavior during the debate shocked the audience.)
- It would be ungentlemanly to reveal her secret. (It would be dishonorable to reveal her secret.)
- Spreading such rumors is considered ungentlemanly. (Spreading such rumors is considered not befitting a gentleman.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in formal or historical contexts to critique behavior that violates a specific code of honor or etiquette associated with being a 'gentleman'.
- It can imply a failure to meet social expectations of politeness, fairness, or respect, especially towards women or in competitive situations.
- The boxer was criticized for his ungentlemanly tactics outside the rules of the sport.
Variants and Related Words
- Ungentlemanliness (noun): The quality or state of being ungentlemanly.
- He was accused of ungentlemanliness for not keeping his promise.
Synonyms
- Discourteous: Showing rudeness and a lack of consideration for others.
- Unchivalrous: Not observing the medieval knightly system with its religious, moral, and social code, or modern standards of gallantry and courtesy.
- Unbecoming: Not fitting or appropriate; unsuitable, especially for a person in a particular role.
- Boorish: Rough and bad-mannered; coarse.
Antonyms
- Gentlemanly: Befitting or characteristic of a gentleman; courteous, honorable.
- Chivalrous: Courteous and gallant, especially toward women.
- Courteous: Polite, respectful, or considerate in manner.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- While there is no specific idiom using "ungentlemanly," the concept is central to phrases like:
- "Not cricket" (British, informal): Unfair; not in accordance with standards of honorable behavior.
- His attempt to cheat was simply not cricket. (This implies behavior that is ungentlemanly or unsportsmanlike.)
Adjective
- not befitting a gentleman