Genteel definition and synonyms + antonyms and illustrations from the coursebook 601 Words You Need to Know to Pass Your Exam used in real context for advanced learners of English such as GRE candidates.
/dʒenˈtɪəl/ (adj)
Genteel definition
having or showing characteristics of the elite or high social classes, respectable, sophisticated, polite and urbane, refined, decorous, cultured
calm and gentle, courteous, mannerly, well-mannered, gentlemanly
Example
The satirist Jonathan Swift published Polite Conversation in 1738. It consists of three satirical dialogues at breakfast, dinner and tea, presented as a guide to ‘Genteel and Ingenious Conversation, According to the Most Polite Mode and Method Now Used at Court, and in the Best Companies of England’.
Source of example: https://www.bl.uk/
Antonyms
Parts of speech
Adverb: genteelly
Noun: gentility
Noun: genteelness
Noun: genteelism
