Words / A2

JENTLM-uh-n/ˈdʒentlmən/

Gentleman is a polite word for a man: ladies and gentlemen, a gentleman at the desk, gentleman’s agreement (extra). Man is the everyday noun. Lady is the usual pair. Generally means usually. Do not write gentleman when you mean generally, or gentlemen as if it were singular.

Meaning

A polite word for a man; also a man with polite manners.

Examples

• “Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats.”
• “A gentleman returned my wallet at the tram stop.”
• “Ladies and gentlemen, the ferry is now boarding.”

Good to know

ladies and gentlemen / a gentleman. Everyday: man. Mix-up: generally.

Near in meaning

man

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