Culture & Societyfreq · 1via Dusty Flow

Genteel

/dʒɛnˈtiːl/adjective
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Genteel describes a refined, polite, and elegant manner or style, often associated with upper-class sophistication and good breeding. However, in modern usage, it can subtly imply an air of artificiality or excessive formality, as if the refinement is more performative than genuine, making it a double-edged compliment in social critiques.

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