VocabDictionary

gentry

/ˈdʒɛn.tri/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

People of good social position, specifically the class of people next below the nobility in position and birth.

Example Sentences:
  • “The local gentry gathered at the manor for the annual harvest ball.”
  • “Jane Austen's novels frequently explore the manners and marriage customs of the English gentry.”
2.noun

People of a specified class or group (often used humorously or condescendingly).

Example Sentences:
  • “The city-slicker gentry don't understand how hard farming is.”
  • “Make way for the administrative gentry.”
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “gentry”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from Middle English 'genterie', from Old French 'genterie', 'gentrise', meaning nobility of birth, from 'gent' (noble, well-born), ultimately from Latin 'gentius' or 'gens' (race, family, clan). Historically, it referred to people of good breeding, high social standing, or the social class just below the nobility.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'gentlemen' and 'gentlewomen' to remember that the gentry are well-born, polite, and upper-class people.

Common Collocations & Phrases
Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About “gentry”

1. What is the meaning of “gentry” in English?

In English, gentry (noun) is defined as: “People of good social position, specifically the class of people next below the nobility in position and birth.”.

2. How do you use “gentry” in a sentence?

“The local gentry gathered at the manor for the annual harvest ball.”

3. What are English synonyms of “gentry”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “gentry”?

Derived from Middle English 'genterie', from Old French 'genterie', 'gentrise', meaning nobility of birth, from 'gent' (noble, well-born), ultimately from Latin 'gentius' or 'gens' (race, family, clan). Historically, it referred to people of good breeding, high social standing, or the social class just below the nobility.