1. the quality of being refined, polite, and well-mannered in behavior and appearance
2. the social class of people considered to be of good family and high social standing
Usage: often historical

Examples

• Her gentility was evident in the way she gracefully handled the difficult situation.
• The old mansion reflected the gentility of its former owners.
• He was born into gentility but chose to live a simple life.
• The tea party was conducted with all the gentility expected of high society.
• Despite their wealth, they lacked the gentility that comes with proper upbringing.
• The novel depicts the decline of Southern gentility after the Civil War.