1. having or showing the manners, tastes, or lifestyle associated with refined or upper-class people
2. attempting to appear refined or respectable, often in an affected or pretentious way
Usage: often implies artificiality

Examples

• She spoke in a genteel manner that impressed the dinner guests.
• The family maintained their genteel lifestyle despite financial difficulties.
• His genteel accent suggested an expensive education.
• The tea room had a genteel atmosphere with fine china and lace tablecloths.
• Her genteel behavior seemed forced and unnatural.
• The genteel neighborhood was known for its well-maintained gardens.
• He adopted genteel mannerisms to fit in with his wealthy colleagues.