gentility

noun

gen·​til·​i·​ty jen-ˈti-lə-tē 

plural gentilities

1

a

: the condition of belonging to the gentry

b

: gentlefolk, gentry

2

a(1)

: decorum of conduct : courtesy

(2)

: attitudes or activity marked by false delicacy, prudery, or affectation

b

: superior social status or prestige evidenced by manners, possessions, or mode of life

Synonyms of gentility

• manners
• elegance
• gallantry
• politeness
• attentiveness
• civility
• thoughtfulness
• gracefulness
• courteousness
• courtesy
• hospitality
• graciousness
• respectability

Examples of gentility in a Sentence

Education was considered a mark of gentility.

was full of the same gentility and grace that marked the rest of the family

Recent Examples on the Web

At Montage Big Sky, a 139-room wood-and-stone main structure dispenses with antler chandeliers and wagon wheels in favor of easygoing American gentility. — Jesse Ashlock, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 July 2026

Before the yuppie era, a certain staid gentility prevailed. — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 15 June 2026

But his natural gentility is tough to dress down. — Naveen Kumar, Variety, 10 Apr. 2026

But for many Southerners, the changing accent represents the conflict between progress and tradition, between growing demographic and economic power, and the gauzy gentility and family-centric nature of the traditional American South. — Patrik Jonsson, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for gentility

• ability
• agility
• civility
• debility
• docility
• ductility
• facility
• fertility
• fragility
• futility
• hostility
• humility

Kids Definition

gentility

noun

gen·​til·​i·​ty jen-ˈtil-ət-ē 

plural gentilities

1

: good birth and family

2

: the qualities of a well-bred person

3

: good manners