genteelism

noun

gen·​teel·​ism jen-ˈtē(l)-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce genteelism (audio)
: a word believed by its user to be more polite or less vulgar than a common synonym
also : the use of genteelisms

Word History

Etymology

genteel + -ism

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of genteelism was in 1926

Dictionary Entries Near genteelism

Cite this Entry

“Genteelism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genteelism. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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