gentility
noun
[ dʒɛnˈtɪlɪti ]
• social superiority as demonstrated by polite and respectable manners, behaviour, or appearances.
• "her grandmother's pretensions to gentility"
Similar:
social superiority,
respectability,
refinement,
pre-eminence,
pride of place,
distinction,
ascendancy,
poshness,
couth,
polish,
decorousness,
correctness,
seemliness,
politeness,
good manners,
culture,
breeding,
cultivation,
sophistication,
courtesy,
ladylikeness,
gentlemanliness,
civility,
elegance,
style,
stylishness,
urbanity,
civilization,
courtliness,
dignity,
grace,
graciousness,
punctiliousness,
affectedness,
affectation,
ostentation,
ostentatiousness,
mannerliness,
Origin:
Middle English (in the sense ‘honourable birth’): from Old French gentilite, from gentil (see gentle1).
