gentlemanly

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   courteous, honorable, and considerate in a way traditionally expected of a gentleman

   He offered a calm and gentlemanly apology for the misunderstanding.

2. 2
   adj

   befitting or characteristic of a gentleman, especially according to older standards of social conduct or status

   The school claimed that fencing was a gentlemanly accomplishment.

From Middle English gentilmanly, formed from gentleman + the adjectival suffix -ly. Its meaning reflects historically gendered and class-based ideals of polite, honorable conduct; modern use usually emphasizes courtesy rather than social rank.

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