Genteel describes someone who is polite, refined, and well-mannered in a way that suggests they come from a respectable or upper-class background. A genteel person speaks softly, uses proper etiquette, and carries themselves with dignity. Picture someone who always uses the correct fork at dinner, writes thank-you notes in careful handwriting, and would never dream of interrupting or speaking rudely.

The word often describes an old-fashioned kind of politeness and social grace. You might read about a genteel lady in a historical novel who hosts elegant tea parties, or a genteel neighborhood with tree-lined streets and well-kept Victorian houses.

Sometimes genteel carries a hint of criticism, suggesting someone is overly concerned with appearances or too delicate for the real world. A genteel family might pretend everything is perfect even when struggling financially, because they care deeply about maintaining their respectable image. The word can also describe things that feel refined but perhaps a bit old-fashioned or stuffy, like a genteel parlor with doilies and fine china, where children must sit quietly with their hands folded.