Dictionary
chivalrous
adjective chiv·al·rous \ˈshi-vəl-rəs\
: behaving in an honorable or polite way especially toward women
: showing respect and politeness especially toward women
Full Definition of CHIVALROUS
1
: valiant
2
: of, relating to, or characteristic of chivalry and knight-errantry
3
a : marked by honor, generosity, and courtesy b : marked by gracious courtesy and high-minded consideration especially to women
— chiv·al·rous·ly adverb
— chiv·al·rous·ness noun
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First Known Use of CHIVALROUS
14th century
Related to CHIVALROUS
- Synonyms
- big, noble, elevated, gallant, great, greathearted, high, high-minded, lofty, lordly, magnanimous, natural, sublime
Synonym Discussion of CHIVALROUS
civil, polite, courteous, gallant, chivalrous mean observant of the forms required by good breeding. civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness <owed the questioner a civil reply>. polite commonly implies polish of speech and manners and sometimes suggests an absence of cordiality <if you can't be pleasant, at least be polite>. courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness <clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers>. gallant and chivalrous imply courteous attentiveness especially to women. gallant suggests spirited and dashing behavior and ornate expressions of courtesy <a gallant suitor of the old school>. chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior <a chivalrous display of duty>.
CHIVALROUS Defined for Kids
chivalrous
adjective chiv·al·rous \ˈshi-vəl-rəs\
Definition of CHIVALROUS for Kids
1
: of or relating to a knight or knighthood <chivalrous adventures>
2
: having or showing honor, generosity, and courtesy <a chivalrous and kind man>
3
: showing special courtesy and regard to women <chivalrous behavior>
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