1. the quality or state of being genteel; refined, polite, or elegant behavior and manner
Usage: often used to describe social propriety or upper-class decorum
2. an affected or pretentious display of respectability or good breeding
Usage: often carries a critical or ironic tone

Examples

• Her genteelness was evident in the way she conducted herself at formal dinners.
• The Victorian era placed great emphasis on genteelness and proper etiquette.
• He maintained an air of genteelness despite his humble origins.
• The novel satirizes the genteelness of the upper class as mere pretense.
• She spoke with such genteelness that everyone assumed she came from wealth.
• Their genteelness masked a lack of genuine kindness toward others.