adj
chivalrous
SHIHV-uhl-ruhs
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.”
adj
1
Showing old-fashioned courtesy and gallantry, especially in the way a man treats women.
"He held the door open and offered her his coat — a chivalrous gesture that made her smile."
"The knight was praised as much for his chivalrous manners as for his skill in battle."
How to use chivalrous
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBehaving with the polite, protective courtesy traditionally associated with knights.
Common pairings
chivalrous gesture
chivalrous manner
chivalrous knight
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more chivalrous
- Superlative
- most chivalrous
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."
Synonyms
View more →
knightly
gallant
Antonyms
unchivalrous
Related words
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.".
