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Courtly vs Genteel - What's the difference?

courtly | genteel | Related terms |

Courtly is a related term of genteel.


As adjectives the difference between courtly and genteel

is that courtly is suitable for a royal court; refined, dignified while genteel is affectedly proper or refined; somewhat prudish refinement; excessively polite.

courtly

English

Adjective

(er)
  • Suitable for a royal court; refined, dignified.
  • * 1598 , , III. ii. 666:
    • Corin. You have too courtly a wit for me; I’ll rest.
  • Obsequious, flattering.
    • (Macaulay)

    genteel

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Affectedly proper or refined; somewhat prudish refinement; excessively polite.
  • Polite and well-mannered.
  • Stylish or elegant.
  • Aristocratic

    • Derived terms

    * genteelism