Entry Word: genteel

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 following the established traditions of refined society and good taste <those bygone days when young women were taught how to drink tea while wearing long gloves and other genteel ways of behaving> — see proper 1
2 having or showing a taste for the fine arts and gracious living <a genteel opera lover who relished the opportunity to play hostess to her favorite tenor> — see cultivated
3 of high birth, rank, or station <the genteel ladies never mixed with the servants> <a princess of genteel birth> — see noble 1
4 showing consideration, courtesy, and good manners <was impressed with his genteel gesture of holding the door for the group of ladies leaving the restaurant> — see polite 1