Words / C1

jen-TEEL/dʒenˈtiːl/

Genteel means polite and refined, or trying to appear so, often of a social class: genteel copy, a genteel manner. Gentle (already in the dictionary) is kind, not this class tone; polite prospectus talk does not staff a sitting.

Meaning

Polite and refined, or trying to appear so, often of a social class (from gentle, already in the dictionary, but not the same).

Examples

• “Genteel copy in the prospectus does not staff the sitting.”
• “Polite is everyday. Refined is the close twin. Gentle is already in this course and is not the same. Prospectus talk is comms. A name on the log is cover. Write the name; then keep the manners if the sitting still stands.”

Good to know

Refined, or trying to seem so. Related: gentle (already in the dictionary; different). Polite copy ≠ cover.

Near in meaning

refined, polite, respectable

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