civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness.
owed the questioner a civil reply
polite commonly implies polish of speech and manners and sometimes suggests an absence of cordiality.
if you can't be pleasant, at least be polite
courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness.
clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers
gallant and chivalrous imply courteous attentiveness especially to women.
gallant suggests spirited and dashing behavior and ornate expressions of courtesy.
a gallant suitor of the old school
chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior.
a chivalrous display of duty
Example Sentences
Adjective The defenders of the fort made a gallant stand. They failed to reach the summit, but they made a gallant attempt. He greeted her with a gallant bow. He offered her his seat in a gallant gesture. Noun he was quite a gallant, primping more than either of his sisters she had a whole host of gallants vying for her hand in marriage See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Curiosity is fundamentally an optimistic treasure hunt—a gallant search that occurs without proof, guarantee, or map. Chip Bell, Forbes, 12 July 2022 The high-flying Avalanche defeated the gallant Lightning, 2-1, in Game 6 of the finals, to capture the Stanley Cup, one of sports’ most elusive and enduring trophies.New York Times, 26 June 2022 With clarity, humor and optimism, the 33-year-old four-time major champion mustered a gallant and full-throated defense of the PGA Tour and the meaning and value of competition. Christine Brennan, USA TODAY, 14 June 2022 Despite a gallant Dallas comeback attempt, Golden State held on for a resounding victory at Chase Center.BostonGlobe.com, 27 May 2022 Emboldened, Fisher this May has had two gallant missives directed at … a couple of gramps at least a decade his senior? Brent Zwerneman, San Antonio Express-News, 24 May 2022 Ruby Nell Sales is a stirring tribute to a long, gallant personal history that continues into the present.New York Times, 31 Mar. 2022 The third week of Russia’s war on Ukraine shows, like its predecessors, gallant resistance, pitiable suffering, and slow Russian progress. Nr Editors, National Review, 17 Mar. 2022 The tenor Charles Castronovo sang a gallant Rodolfo, the baritone Lucas Meachem a forceful Marcello.New York Times, 10 Jan. 2022
Noun
As wartime occupations go, this was a gentle—indeed, gallant—affair. Brad Leithauser, WSJ, 28 May 2021 Face towels often look mighty similar to hand towels, and my finicky skin can't stand taking any chances—which is where my Weezie Makeup Towels provide a gallant save. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2021 My Government will continue to invest in our gallant Armed Forces. Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, 14 Oct. 2019 The 2018 court included promenade girls, gallants, demoiselles, jewel-bearers and the queen. Sue Strachan, NOLA.com, 1 Apr. 2018 Housewives surrendered their gold jewelry in a gallant, but futile attempt to restore the nation’s solvency. Michael Schuman, Bloomberg.com, 29 June 2017 See More
Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English galaunt, borrowed from Middle French galant, from present participle of galer "to squander in pleasures, have a good time, enjoy oneself," going back to Old French, going back to Gallo-Romance *walāre, derivative of Old Low Franconian *wala "well, with good appearance or effect," going back to Germanic *welō — more at well entry 3
Noun
Middle English galaunt, gallaunt, borrowed from Middle French, noun derivative of galantgallant entry 1