gentleman friend

Romantic male companion

A gentleman friend is a woman's male companion, typically implying romantic involvement without explicitly stating it.

The term is somewhat old-fashioned and coy, often used to describe a relationship that isn't quite a boyfriend or husband: My grandmother has a gentleman friend who takes her dancing.

It suggests courtship with a touch of formality or discretion.

romantic

boyfriend

Male romantic companion

loverRomantic intimate
beauMale romantic companion
sweetheartAffectionate name for beloved

paramour · partner · admirer · flame · escort · steady · darling · beloved · heartthrob · squeeze

companion

confidant

Trusted keeper of secrets

palClose trusted companion
buddyInformal term for companion
escortOne who accompanies another

associate · comrade · ally · chaperone · plus-one · sidekick · colleague · fellow · mate · amigo

euphemism

paramour

Lover in secret affair

loverRomantic intimate
kept manSubsidized male companion
sugar daddyWealthy older romantic benefactor

affair · dalliance · discreet · liaison · illicit · clandestine · extramarital · mistress · arrangement · benefactor

suitor

courtship

Seeking another's romantic favor

wooingRomantic pursuit of another
admirerOne who esteems another
beauMale romantic companion

pursuer · caller · charmer · wooer · gallant · serenade · proposal · betrothal · fiancé · matchmaking

Opposites

gender of romantic companion

gentleman friendlady friend

Female romantic partner

girlfriend · mistress · kept woman

formality of relationship status

gentleman friendhusband

Married man's role

spouse · fiancé · betrothed · life partner · ex-husband

nature of relationship

gentleman friendcolleague

Professional associate

business associate · stranger · enemy · rival

Family

gentleman, friend, gentle, gently, gentleness, gentlemanly, gentlemen, friendly, friends

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G