gallant
9 synonyms and 0 antonyms for gallant, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Brave and honorable, especially in the face of danger.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use gallant
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
The "courteous toward women" sense now reads as somewhat old-fashioned or formal.
Etymology
From Old French galant, related to a word meaning "to make merry" — the sense shifted over time from "showy, festive" to "brave" and "chivalrous."
Full origin of gallant →Frequently asked questions
What does “gallant” mean?
The word “gallant” means brave and honorable, especially in the face of danger. In plain terms, brave and honorable, or old-fashioned courteous toward women.
How do you pronounce “gallant”?
“Gallant” is pronounced GA-luhnt (/ˈɡælənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “gallant” in a sentence?
Here is “gallant” used in a sentence: “The soldiers made a gallant last stand.”
What part of speech is “gallant”?
Depending on how it is used, “gallant” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “gallant” come from?
The word “gallant” comes from Old French. From Old French galant, related to a word meaning "to make merry" — the sense shifted over time from "showy, festive" to "brave" and "chivalrous.".
Is “gallant” a common word?
“Gallant” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “gallant” have?
“Gallant” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: brave and honorable, especially in the face of danger.