Gentlemen


[jen-tl-muh n] /ˈdʒɛn tl mən/

noun, plural gentlemen.
1.
a of good family, breeding, or social position.
2.
(used as a polite term) a man:
Do you know that gentleman over there?
3.
gentlemen, (used as a form of address):
Gentlemen, please come this way.
4.
a civilized, educated, sensitive, or well-mannered man:
He behaved like a true gentleman.
5.
a male personal servant, especially of a man of social position; valet.
6.
a male attendant upon a king, queen, or other royal person, who is himself of high birth or rank.
7.
a man of good social standing, as a noble or an armigerous commoner.
8.
a man with an independent income who does not work for a living.
9.
a male member of the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives:
The chair recognizes the gentleman from Massachusetts.
10.
History/Historical. a man who is above the rank of yeoman.
/ˈdʒɛntəlmən/
noun (pl) -men
1.
a man regarded as having qualities of refinement associated with a good family
2.
a man who is cultured, courteous, and well-educated
3.
a polite name for a man
4.
the personal servant of a gentleman (esp in the phrase gentleman’s gentleman)
5.
(Brit, history) a man of gentle birth, who was entitled to bear arms, ranking above a yeoman in social position
6.
(formerly) a smuggler
n.

“well-born man,” early 13c., from gentle + man.

The Gentleman is always truthful and sincere; will not agree for the sake of complaisance or out of weakness ; will not pass over that of which he disapproves. He has a clear soul, and a fearless, straightforward tongue. On the other hand he is not blunt and rude. His truth is courteous; his courtesy, truthful; never a humbug, yet, where he truthfully can, he prefers to say pleasant things. [J.R. Vernon, “Contemporary Review,” 1869]

Related: Gentlemen. Gentleman’s agreement is first attested 1929. Gentleman farmer recorded from 1749.

Read Also:

  • Gentleness

    [jen-tl] /ˈdʒɛn tl/ adjective, gentler, gentlest. 1. kindly; amiable: a gentle manner. 2. not severe, rough, or violent; mild: a gentle wind; a gentle tap on the shoulder. 3. moderate: gentle heat. 4. gradual: a gentle slope. 5. of good birth or family; wellborn. 6. characteristic of good birth; honorable; respectable: a gentle upbringing. 7. […]

  • Gentlepeople

    [jen-tl-pee-puh l] /ˈdʒɛn tlˌpi pəl/ plural noun 1. a formal term of address to a group of people. [jen-tl-pur-suh n] /ˈdʒɛn tlˌpɜr sən/ noun 1. a person of good family and position; or lady.

  • Gentleperson

    [jen-tl-pur-suh n] /ˈdʒɛn tlˌpɜr sən/ noun 1. a person of good family and position; or lady. [jen-tl-pee-puh l] /ˈdʒɛn tlˌpi pəl/ plural noun 1. a formal term of address to a group of people.

  • Gentle-person

    [jen-tl-pur-suh n] /ˈdʒɛn tlˌpɜr sən/ noun 1. a person of good family and position; or lady. [jen-tl-pee-puh l] /ˈdʒɛn tlˌpi pəl/ plural noun 1. a formal term of address to a group of people.

  • Gentler

    [jen-tl] /ˈdʒɛn tl/ adjective, gentler, gentlest. 1. kindly; amiable: a gentle manner. 2. not severe, rough, or violent; mild: a gentle wind; a gentle tap on the shoulder. 3. moderate: gentle heat. 4. gradual: a gentle slope. 5. of good birth or family; wellborn. 6. characteristic of good birth; honorable; respectable: a gentle upbringing. 7. […]


Disclaimer: Gentlemen definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.