genteel

 
Pronunciation: /dʒɛnˈtiːl/

adjective

  • characterized by exaggerated or affected politeness, refinement, or respectability: her genteel upbringing

Derivatives

genteelly

adverb

genteelness

noun

Origin:

late 16th century (in the sense 'fashionable, stylish'): from French gentil 'well-born'. From the 17th century to the 19th century the word was used in such senses as 'of good social position', 'having the manners of a well-born person', 'well bred'. The ironic or derogatory implication dates from the 19th century