gallant
/ˈɡælənt/ (bre, ipa) · [ɡˈælənt] /ˈɡælənt/ (ame, ipa) · [ɡˈælənt] /ˈga-lənt (usually in sense 2) gə-ˈlant gə-ˈlänt (usually in sense 3)/ (ame, mw)
gallant — adjective
- gallantpositive
- more gallantcomparative
- most gallantsuperlative
1. of a man — showing great politeness and careful attention toward women, especial
of a man — showing great politeness and careful attention toward women, especially by performing small courteous actions such as holding open a door or carrying a heavy bag.
Mira's grandfather was a gallant gentleman who always stood up when a woman entered the room.
gallant + noun describing polite male behaviour
The soldier offered his seat to an elderly woman in a gallant gesture.
adjective before noun: gallant gesture
When Jisoo dropped her shopping bags, a gallant stranger rushed over to help her pick them up.
Iker opened the car door for his date with a gallant bow and a warm smile.
Minho smiled as his grandfather held the door for a young woman — a gallant habit he never lost.
- chivalrous
more closely tied to honour and the knightly code of behaviour
- courteous
broader in meaning — applies to polite behaviour toward anyone, not just women
- gentlemanly
similar register; emphasises the qualities of a well-bred man
- rude
showing no politeness at all
- discourteous
formal opposite of courteous behaviour
文法句型
gallant + noun
be + gallant + to + noun
用法筆記
This sense is most common in narrative or descriptive contexts. It can sound dated or formal in everyday conversation.
常見錯誤
2. showing courage and determination when facing danger or difficulty, especially w
showing courage and determination when facing danger or difficulty, especially when this involves helping or protecting other people.
The firefighters made a gallant effort to rescue the family trapped inside the burning house.
gallant + noun describing courageous effort
Saira received a medal for her gallant actions during the earthquake.
Although badly injured, the runner made one last gallant attempt to reach the finish line.
The soldiers were remembered for their gallant defence of the small border town.
Otis received a standing ovation for his gallant rescue of a child from the river.
- brave
more common and less formal; focuses on fearlessness
- courageous
emphasises inner strength and moral resolve
- heroic
stronger, suggests exceptional bravery beyond ordinary expectations
文法句型
gallant + noun
be + gallant + in + noun
用法筆記
Frequently used with nouns describing effort or duty (attempt, effort, defence, rescue, stand). Stronger and more formal than brave, often implying a noble or self-sacrificing quality.
常見錯誤
3. having a dignified, impressive, or richly decorated appearance — used especially
having a dignified, impressive, or richly decorated appearance — used especially of clothing, buildings, or ceremonial settings.
The general wore a gallant uniform covered in medals and gold braid.
gallant + noun describing splendid appearance
Dewi admired the gallant old mansion with its tall pillars and grand entrance.
The bride's father arrived at the ceremony in a gallant top hat and tails.
A gallant carriage drawn by four white horses led the royal procession.
At the ball, dancers moved across the floor of a gallant ballroom lit by crystal chandeliers.
- splendid
more general term for something impressive or beautiful
- stately
emphasises dignity and grandeur of appearance
- magnificent
stronger, suggesting breathtaking beauty or scale
文法句型
gallant + noun
用法筆記
This sense is almost exclusively used before a noun, not after a linking verb. It is found most often in historical or literary descriptions.
gallant — noun
1. a man who pays very careful attention to his clothes and personal appearance, dr
a man who pays very careful attention to his clothes and personal appearance, dressing in a stylish and fashionable way.
The young gallant spent half his salary on silk waistcoats and polished leather shoes.
gallant as countable noun for a fashion-conscious man
Tariq laughed at the gallant who refused to leave the house without a perfectly tied cravat.
In nineteenth-century London, a gallant was known for his careful dress and witty conversation.
The novel's main character is a rich gallant who cares more about fashion than about politics.
João's uncle was a bit of a gallant, always wearing a colourful scarf and velvet jacket.
- slob
informal; someone whose appearance is untidy
文法句型
a/an + gallant
the + gallant(s)
用法筆記
Now somewhat dated. In modern English, dandy or fashionista are more common for the same idea.
2. a man who enjoys the company of women and is considered charming and attractive
a man who enjoys the company of women and is considered charming and attractive by them.
The charming gallant knew exactly how to make every woman at the party feel special.
noun for a man popular with women
Diya warned her friend that the new colleague was a gallant who never settled down.
In the film, the hero is a handsome gallant until he meets a woman who ignores him.
Grandmother said Grandpa was a gallant when they first met, always bringing gifts and compliments.
At the wedding, Emma watched her cousin Felipe charm the bridesmaids with jokes and compliments — a true gallant.
- ladies' man
the more common modern expression
- womaniser
more negative; implies insincerity or lack of commitment
- recluse
someone who avoids social contact, especially with women
文法句型
a/an + gallant
the + gallant(s)
用法筆記
Dated but still understood. Modern equivalents include ladies' man or womaniser, though the latter has a more negative connotation.
3. a man who spends time with a woman because he hopes to marry her or begin a roma
a man who spends time with a woman because he hopes to marry her or begin a romantic relationship with her.
Mira's wealthy gallant arrived at her house every Sunday with a bouquet of roses.
possessive + gallant for a suitor
The young princess had many gallants, but she refused all of their marriage proposals.
Her father did not approve of her gallant because he was a poor musician.
Shanti's gallant wrote her long love letters while he was travelling abroad.
A nervous gallant waited in the parlour, twisting his hat in his hands.
文法句型
a/an + gallant
possessive + gallant
用法筆記
Mostly found in historical fiction or period dramas. Suitor is a more common alternative in modern English.
4. a woman's lover, especially in a romantic relationship that is not approved by s
a woman's lover, especially in a romantic relationship that is not approved by society or that is kept secret.
The countess met her gallant in secret, away from the eyes of the royal court.
noun for a secret lover in a historical context
The novel tells the story of a married woman and her gallant who run away together.
Amelia discovered love letters from her mother's gallant hidden in an old wooden box.
Rania's novel opens with Lady Winifred's father catching her gallant climbing through her bedroom window.
The poem describes a queen who risks her throne for her gallant, a brave knight from a distant land.
文法句型
a/an + gallant
possessive + gallant
用法筆記
Highly dated and literary. In modern English, lover or paramour would be used instead.
gallant — verb
- gallantpresent simple I / you / we / they
- gallants3rd person singular
- gallanting-ing form
- gallantedpast simple
1. to try to win the romantic affection or love of a woman, usually with the intent
to try to win the romantic affection or love of a woman, usually with the intention of marrying her.
In the old days, a young man would gallant his sweetheart by taking her for walks in the park.
transitive verb: gallant + direct object
Imani's grandfather gallanted her grandmother for two years before proposing marriage.
verb used in past tense for a courtship narrative
The shy clerk tried to gallant the baker's daughter with flowers and handwritten notes.
Ezra gallanted Putri to three village dances before asking Putri's father for permission.
Otis gallanted Amelia for several months, attending every dance she was invited to.
文法句型
gallant + someone (a woman)
用法筆記
Extremely old-fashioned. Nearly all modern speakers use court or woo instead. Only encountered in historical fiction or period literature.