chivalrous
Chivalrous (adj) means showing old-fashioned courtesy and gallantry, especially in the way a man treats women. Example: “He held the door open and offered her his coat — a chivalrous gesture that made her smile.”
How to use chivalrous
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBehaving with the polite, protective courtesy traditionally associated with knights.
Word forms
more chivalrous comparative, most chivalrous superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He held the door open and offered her his coat — a _____ gesture that made her smile.
Etymology
From Old French chevalerous, from chevalier ("knight, horseman") — ultimately from the same root as "cavalry."
Antonyms
Rhymes for chivalrous
See all rhymes for chivalrous →Frequently asked questions
What does “chivalrous” mean?
The word “chivalrous” means showing old-fashioned courtesy and gallantry, especially in the way a man treats women. In plain terms, behaving with the polite, protective courtesy traditionally associated with knights.
How do you pronounce “chivalrous”?
“Chivalrous” is pronounced SHIHV-uhl-ruhs (/ˈʃɪv.əl.ɹəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “chivalrous” in a sentence?
Here is “chivalrous” used in a sentence: “He held the door open and offered her his coat — a chivalrous gesture that made her smile.”
What is the opposite of “chivalrous”?
The opposite of “chivalrous” — its antonyms — is unchivalrous.
What part of speech is “chivalrous”?
“Chivalrous” is an adjective.
Where does the word “chivalrous” come from?
The word “chivalrous” comes from Old French. From Old French chevalerous, from chevalier ("knight, horseman") — ultimately from the same root as "cavalry.".