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

• civility
• courteousness
• courtesy
• genteelness
• graciousness
• mannerliness
• politeness

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

Over the course of those decades, the drop in theatrical production was not accompanied by a rise in Times Square gentility. —Frank Rich, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025

Levinson, who can find warmth and humor in most circumstances, is naturally drawn toward Frank’s gentility. —Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025

Ed’s monstrous behavior under the influence of cortisone shatters the veneer of middle-class gentility to reveal the fault lines repressed beneath it. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2025

Like Michaels, the band wanted to maintain its nonconformist cred, even though its members were verging on gentility. —Jillian Sederholm, EW.com, 18 Feb. 2025

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