gentleman
/ˈdʒentlmən/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdʒentlmən/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈjen-tᵊl-mən ˈje-nᵊl- in rapid speech also ˈjen-tə-mən, ˈje-nə-/ (ame, mw)
gentleman — noun
- gentlemansingular
- gentlemenplural
1. a polite word used when speaking to or about a man, especially in formal setting
a polite word used when speaking to or about a man, especially in formal settings or with someone whose name you have not been told
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our guest speaker for tonight.
formulaic opening 'Ladies and gentlemen'
A gentleman at the door is asking to speak with the manager.
polite reference to an unknown man
The notice on the wall read: 'Gentlemen must wear a jacket and tie.'
Good evening, gentlemen — your table by the window is ready now.
There is a gentleman on the phone who wishes to discuss the contract details.
用法筆記
This is the only sense used as a direct form of address. Compare with sense 2 (WELL-MANNERED), where 'gentleman' describes a person's character rather than serving as a polite label.
常見錯誤
2. a man who demonstrates kindness, courtesy, and consideration toward others, espe
a man who demonstrates kindness, courtesy, and consideration toward others, especially in social settings
Cyrus held the door open for the woman behind him — a true gentleman.
used as a compliment after polite actions
Antonia's father is a kind gentleman who always listens carefully to others.
After the meeting, Lin drove his colleague home in the rain — such a gentleman.
The young man acted like a gentleman by offering his seat to the elderly woman.
Sirin said her brother is a gentleman because he always helps with the dishes.
- gent
informal British shortening, sometimes humorous or ironic
- man of honour
emphasises moral integrity alongside good manners; more formal
- boor
a rude or insensitive man
用法筆記
Frequently used with 'a' or 'true' as a compliment after someone performs a courteous action. Unlike sense 3 (HIGH SOCIAL CLASS), this sense has no connection to birth or wealth — it is purely about behavior.
常見錯誤
3. a person of the male sex whose family has a high position in society; in histori
a person of the male sex whose family has a high position in society; in historical contexts, someone who owned enough land to avoid earning wages through manual jobs
In Victorian times, a gentleman did not need to work for a living.
historical class context
The old manor house belonged to a gentleman from a wealthy landowning family.
Chidi's great-grandfather was a gentleman who owned large farms in the countryside.
In some novels, a gentleman is expected to ride a horse and fence.
The estate was passed down through generations of gentlemen in the same family.
- aristocrat
more specific — a member of the nobility, whereas 'gentleman' can include the broader gentry
- nobleman
emphasises noble birth and title
- member of the gentry
formal phrase that matches the historical meaning closely
- commoner
a person without noble or gentry status
用法筆記
This sense is increasingly historical or literary in modern English. Today, it is mainly used when discussing past social structures. Distinguish from sense 2 (WELL-MANNERED), which describes behavior rather than birth — a man from a working-class background can be called a gentleman in sense 2 but not in this sense.
常見錯誤
4. a man employed by a wealthy or noble person to serve as a personal assistant, he
a man employed by a wealthy or noble person to serve as a personal assistant, helping with tasks like dressing and grooming
The duke's gentleman prepared his bath and chose his evening clothes.
occupational role: personal attendant
Femi served as a gentleman to a wealthy merchant in eighteenth-century London.
Each morning, the gentleman laid out fresh clothing and polished his master's shoes.
In the play, the gentleman brings his master breakfast and reads the morning news.
A gentleman in the royal household would care for the king's wardrobe and appearance.
- valet
the standard modern term for a male personal attendant
- manservant
more general term for a male domestic employee
- butler
the chief male servant in a household, more senior than a valet
用法筆記
This sense is now archaic or historical in most contexts. The more common modern term for this role is 'valet' or 'personal attendant'. The term 'gentleman's gentleman' was a traditional phrase for such a servant.