genteel behavior
Cultured social conduct
Genteel behavior is conduct marked by refinement, politeness, and adherence to upper-class social standards.
The phrase often carries a whiff of affectation—suggesting someone performing respectability rather than acting naturally: She maintained genteel behavior even when the situation called for directness.
It can imply outdated or overly delicate manners.
- courtlinessRefined, dignified politeness
- civilityFormal politeness in conduct
- charmAttractive personal quality
- poiseGraceful, unshakable calm
- social gracesPolished behavior in company
proper etiquette · decorum · good form · graciousness · politeness · refinement · propriety · polite society · high society · old money · cultivation · aristocracy · etiquette · white gloves · savoir-faire · finesse · prudence · ladylike
refinement and social polish
genteel behaviorcrudeness
Lack of sophistication
rude behavior · vulgarity · boorishness · tastelessness · gracelessness