Word of the Day

: June 12, 2011

genteel

adjective jen-TEEL

What It Means

1 a : of or relating to the gentry or upper class

b : elegant or graceful in manner, appearance, or shape

c : free from vulgarity or rudeness : polite

2 : marked by false delicacy, prudery, or affectation

genteel in Context

Sylvia always maintains a genteel appearance, with a carefully chosen wardrobe that befits her elegant manner.

"Once she settled on golf as her meal ticket, however, she was smart enough to realize that being gracious might serve her better in such a genteel, country club sport." -- From an article by Ann Levin for the Associated Press, June 1, 2011

Did You Know?

In Roman times, the Latin noun "gens" was used to refer to a clan, a group of related people. Its plural "gentes" was used to designate all the people of the world, particularly non-Romans. An adjective form, "gentilis," applied to both senses. Over time, the adjective was borrowed and passed through several languages. It came into Old French as "gentil," a word that then meant "high-born" (in modern French it means "nice"); that term was carried over into Anglo-French, where English speakers found and borrowed it in the 16th century.