Meaning & use
gallantry
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Meanings
noununcountableformalliterary
Bravery shown in a dangerous situation, especially in war or when rescuing others.
Grammar: Not used with a: he was honored for gallantry.
Patterns
- gallantry in something
- an award for gallantry
The soldier received a medal for gallantry under fire.
The crew's gallantry saved dozens of passengers from the burning ferry.
Stories of gallantry during the flood inspired the whole town.
noununcountableold-fashioned
Polite, respectful, charming behavior, especially by a man toward a woman, in an old-fashioned way.
Grammar: Sounds dated today; the word may seem formal.
Patterns
- act with gallantry
- show gallantry to someone
He held the umbrella over her with old-world gallantry.
Her grandfather's gallantry always surprised young waiters.
The speech praised his gallantry and good manners.
Common combinations
- an act of gallantry
- He was thanked for an act of gallantry during the storm.
- conspicuous gallantry
- The captain was awarded a medal for conspicuous gallantry.
- display gallantry
- The firefighters displayed great gallantry that night.
- old-fashioned gallantry
- He offered his coat with old-fashioned gallantry.
- gallantry award
- A gallantry award was presented at the ceremony.
Synonyms and how they differ
- bravery
- Bravery is the everyday, neutral word for courage, while gallantry adds a sense of noble, admired conduct.
- valor
- Valor is also formal and literary and is usually about courage in battle, close to gallantry in tone.
- chivalry
- Chivalry stresses honorable, respectful behavior toward others, especially women, and does not need danger.
- courtesy
- Courtesy means ordinary politeness and lacks the heroic or romantic flavor of gallantry.
Opposites
Word family
- gallant adjective
- brave and noble, or politely attentive to women
- gallantly adverb
- in a brave or courteous way
- gallant noun
- an old word for a fashionable, charming man
- gallantries noun
- polite or flattering remarks and acts
Practice
The firefighter received an award for gallantry. What did he most likely do?
Choose one answer.
Gallantry in this sense means brave conduct in danger. The other options are good work habits but do not involve courage in a dangerous situation.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “gallantry”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.