French word

gentleman

Pronunciation

IPA/dʒɛntləman/

Meaning

  • masculine noungentleman

Example

C'est un gentleman.

He's a gentleman.

Illustration for gentleman (gentleman)

More examples

Il s'est comporté en gentleman pendant la soirée.

He behaved like a gentleman during the evening.

Core concept

A courteous, elegant man whose conduct shows consideration for everyone around him.

Common phrases

  • un gentleman

    a gentleman

  • se comporter en gentleman

    behave like a gentleman

Similar words

homme: A word referring generally to an adult man.
monsieur: A respectful way to address or refer to a man.
mec: A casual slang word for a man.

Definition in French

Homme dont les manières et le comportement sont considérés comme élégants et respectueux.

Word origin

French borrowed gentleman from the English compound gentle man, with gentle tracing back through Old French gentil to Latin gentilis.

Usage tips

  • In ordinary French, monsieur is the neutral term for a man or form of address, while gentleman specifically highlights refined and respectful conduct.

Opposites

  • malotruboornoun
  • rustreloutnoun

Word lists with this word