adverb
- in a manner that is refined, polite, and well-mannered; with genteel behavior or appearance
Usage: formal; often implies an attempt to appear upper-class or respectable
Examples
- She genteelly declined the invitation with a gracious smile.
- The guests were genteelly dressed in formal attire.
- He spoke genteelly, using proper grammar and refined vocabulary.
- They genteelly sipped their tea while discussing literature.
- The family genteelly maintained their reputation in society.
- She genteelly excused herself from the conversation.