gentleman
5 synonyms and 4 antonyms for gentleman, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A polite, well-mannered, or honorable man.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use gentleman
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
ladies and gentlemen
a perfect gentleman
gentleman farmer
Etymology
From Middle English gentilman, combining "gentle" (in its older sense of "well-born") with "man".
Full origin of gentleman →Frequently asked questions
What does “gentleman” mean?
The word “gentleman” means a polite, well-mannered, or honorable man. In plain terms, a polite or well-bred man, or simply a formal way of referring to a man.
How do you pronounce “gentleman”?
“Gentleman” is pronounced JEHN-tuhl-muhn ([ˈd͡ʒɛɾ̃.ɫ̩.mən] in IPA).
How do you use “gentleman” in a sentence?
Here is “gentleman” used in a sentence: “He held the door open like a true gentleman.”
What part of speech is “gentleman”?
“Gentleman” is a noun.
Where does the word “gentleman” come from?
The word “gentleman” comes from Middle English. From Middle English gentilman, combining "gentle" (in its older sense of "well-born") with "man".
Is “gentleman” a common word?
“Gentleman” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “gentleman” have?
“Gentleman” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a polite, well-mannered, or honorable man.
What is the difference between "gentleman" and "gentlemen"?
"Gentleman" is the singular form, referring to one man, while "gentlemen" is the plural, referring to two or more. The greeting "ladies and gentlemen" uses the plural because it addresses a whole audience.
Is "gentleman" formal or informal?
"Gentleman" is polite and fairly formal, used to show respect for a man regardless of his manners, as in "this gentleman would like to order." In everyday casual speech, "man" or "guy" is far more common.
When should you use "gentleman" instead of "man"?
Use "gentleman" when you want to sound courteous or respectful, such as in formal introductions, service settings, or public address. "Man" is the neutral, everyday choice when politeness or formality is not the focus.
