Genteel
Significado: Affectedly refined or respectable
Having or showing an exaggerated concern with appearing refined or respectable. Often implies poverty masked by pretensions to gentility.
Ejemplos
- Genteel poverty in the suburbs. 郊区那种装体面的贫穷pobreza distinguida en los suburbios郊外の体裁のよい貧困교외의 체면치레하는 가난.
- A genteel pretence. 装体面的伪装una pretensión de distinción上品ぶった見せかけ우아한 체하는 겉치레.
- Very genteel manners. 非常装模作样的礼仪modales muy afectados非常に上品ぶったマナー매우 점잔 빼는 예절.
Pronunciación
Guía de uso
Contexto: description, slight criticism
Tono: can be critical (affected) or sympathetic (genteel poverty)
✓ Correcto
- Genteel poverty装体面的贫穷pobreza distinguida体裁のよい貧困체면치레하는 가난
- Genteel manners装出来的优雅礼仪modales refinados上品ぶったマナー점잔 빼는 예절
✗ Incorrecto
- Can seem patronising可能显得居高临下Puede parecer condescendiente見下しているように聞こえることがある깔보는 것처럼 보일 수 있음
Errores comunes
- Confusing with genuine refinement
Origen e historia
From French 'gentil' (gentle, noble). Originally positive, now often implies affected or precarious respectability.
Etimología: French gentil (gentle, noble)
Primera vez registrado: 16th century, pejorative sense later
Contexto cultural
Era: 16th century onwards
Generation: All generations
Social background: About maintaining appearances
Pop culture: Victorian literature
Regional notes: Universal English.
Variaciones
Frases relacionadas
Más de este tema
More from Class & Social Status
Tarjetas, cuestionarios, audio y repetición espaciada — todo gratis