gentleman

gen·tle·man

noun, often attributive
\ˈjen-t^əl-mən, ˈje-n^əl-, in rapid speech also ˈjen-tə-mən, ˈje-nə-\

Definition of GENTLEMAN

1

a : a man of noble or gentle birth b : a man belonging to the landed gentry c (1) : a man who combines gentle birth or rank with chivalrous qualities (2) : a man whose conduct conforms to a high standard of propriety or correct behavior d (1) : a man of independent means who does not engage in any occupation or profession for gain (2) : a man who does not engage in a menial occupation or in manual labor for gain

2

: valet —often used in the phrase gentleman's gentleman

3

: a man of any social class or condition —often used in a courteous reference <show this gentleman to a seat> or usually in the plural in address <ladies and gentlemen>

— gen·tle·man·like \-mən-ˌlīk\ adjective

— gen·tle·man·like·ness noun

Examples of GENTLEMAN

1. A true gentleman would never engage in such behavior.
2. He's a gentleman by birth.

Origin of GENTLEMAN

Middle English gentilman

First Known Use: 12th century

Related to GENTLEMAN

Synonyms: grandee, lord, milord, nobleman, peer

Related Words: country gentleman, squire; cavalier, chevalier, knight; don, hidalgo, nabob, nawab, seigneur, seignior, sheikh (or sheik); baron, baronet, count, duke, earl, esquire, marchese, margrave, marquess (or marquis), master, prince, princelet, princeling, raja, viscount; lordship, sire [archaic]

Near Antonyms: boor, churl, cottar (or cotter), fellah, peasant, peon; commoner, pleb, plebeian; proletarian; toiler

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Forms of Address Terms

appellation, beatitude, brethren, emeritus, esquire, sire, sous