genteelism

noun

gen·​teel·​ism jen-ˈtē(l)-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce genteelism (audio)
: a word believed by its user to be more polite or less vulgar than a common synonym
also : the use of genteelisms

Word History

Etymology

genteel + -ism

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of genteelism was in 1926

Dictionary Entries Near genteelism

Cite this Entry

“Genteelism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genteelism. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on genteelism

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!