chivalrous — showing the qualities idealized by knighthood, such as courage, honor, courtesy, justice, and a readiness to help the weak, especially courteous and gallant behavior toward women
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: showing the qualities idealized by knighthood, such as courage, honor, courtesy, justice, and a readiness to help the weak, especially courteous and gallant behavior toward women
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈʃɪvəlrəs/
Example Sentences
- Jake's chivalrous offer to carry all the heavy groceries made his girlfriend wonder if he was hiding something.
- The CEO's chivalrous leadership style earned him respect from both employees and competitors.
- Tom's attempt to be chivalrous backfired when he opened the door for a feminist who lectured him for 20 minutes.
chivalrous
ADJECTIVE[/ˈʃɪvəlrəs/]
showing the qualities idealized by knighthood, such as courage, honor, courtesy, justice, and a readiness to help the weak, especially courteous and gallant behavior toward women
The chivalrous knight kneels to help a lost child find her mother.
Both valorous and amorous, truly chivalrous
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old French 'chevalrous', derived from 'chevalier' meaning 'knight' or 'horseman', which comes from Latin 'caballus' meaning 'horse'. The word entered English in the 14th century, carrying the ideals associated with medieval knights.
Breakdown
cheval- (horse/knight, from Latin caballus) + -ous (adjective suffix meaning 'full of' or 'characterized by') = chivalrous (characterized by the qualities of a knight)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Jake's chivalrous offer to carry all the heavy groceries made his girlfriend wonder if he was hiding something.”
“The CEO's chivalrous leadership style earned him respect from both employees and competitors.”
“Tom's attempt to be chivalrous backfired when he opened the door for a feminist who lectured him for 20 minutes.”
“Despite the modern era, she still appreciated chivalrous gestures like pulling out chairs and opening car doors.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.