Gentility means the quality of being refined, polite, and well-mannered in a way that suggests good breeding or high social class. When someone displays gentility, they behave with grace, courtesy, and elegance. A person might speak with gentility, using kind words and a calm tone even when frustrated. A family might maintain an atmosphere of gentility in their home, where everyone treats each other with respect and consideration.

The word often describes manners and behavior that seem cultivated and polished rather than rough or crude. Someone with gentility knows which fork to use at a formal dinner, writes thoughtful thank-you notes, and treats everyone with dignity regardless of their background. In older novels, you'll often read about characters concerned with gentility, which was once closely tied to social status and wealth.

Today, gentility can sometimes sound old-fashioned or even stuffy. When people talk about someone acting with “false gentility,” they mean the person is putting on airs or pretending to be more refined than they really are. True gentility, though, isn't about showing off. It's about treating others with genuine respect and carrying yourself with quiet confidence and grace. A teacher might show gentility by correcting a student's mistake privately rather than embarrassing them in front of the class.