chivalrous
gb/ʃˈɪvəlɹəs/ us/ʃˈɪvəlɹəs/
B2
English
~ 9400
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B2
property
1
polite, respectful, protective behavior
Being very polite, kind, and helpful, especially when a man treats women with respect and care.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is chivalrous toward [someone]; a chivalrous [gesture/act/behavior]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think "chivalrous" only means "romantic," but it mainly means being polite, respectful, and protective, especially toward women or weaker people. Another common mistake is confusing "chivalrous" (adjective) with "chivalry" (noun). For example, say "He is chivalrous" (not "He is chivalry") and "I like his chivalry" (not "I like his chivalrous").
Synonyms
gallant (Often suggests polite, attentive behavior toward women in a slightly formal or romantic way.)
|
gentlemanly (Focuses on well-mannered, respectful behavior expected of a gentleman, not always with the idea of bravery.)
Antonyms
rude (Describes behavior that is impolite or disrespectful instead of considerate and chivalrous.)
|
selfish (Describes someone who thinks mainly of themselves instead of helping or protecting others.)
Collocations
chivalrous behavior
|chivalrous gesture
|chivalrous act
|chivalrous man
|chivalrous gentleman
|chivalrous attitude
Themes
relationships
|social_behavior
|character
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He was so chivalrous that he walked her home in the rain and waited until she was safely inside.
- In a chivalrous gesture, he gave up his seat on the crowded train to the elderly woman.
- She appreciated his chivalrous behavior, but reminded him she could open the door herself.
- The journalist described him as a chivalrous politician who always treated staff with respect.
- Holding the umbrella over his colleague while he got soaked himself was surprisingly chivalrous.
Learner examples
- He is very chivalrous and always helps older people cross the street.
- The man was chivalrous and opened the door for the woman.
- My brother tries to be chivalrous and carries heavy bags for our grandmother.
- People thought he was chivalrous because he always let others go first.
- She called him chivalrous when he gave her his coat in the cold.
adjective
literary
C1
property
2
behaving like an honorable knight
Showing brave and very moral behavior, like the old idea of a good knight who protects weak people and keeps strong promises.
Usage pattern:
a chivalrous [knight/code/ideal/deed]; [someone] is chivalrous in [battle/conduct]
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize that this sense is often historical or literary and is connected to medieval knights and their code of honor. They sometimes use "chivalrous" in very modern military or business contexts where "honorable" or "ethical" would sound more natural.
Synonyms
honorable (Emphasizes strong moral principles and fairness, without the specifically medieval or knightly feeling of "chivalrous.")
|
noble (Suggests high moral character and dignity; can overlap with "chivalrous" but is broader and less tied to knightly imagery.)
Antonyms
dishonorable (Describes behavior that breaks moral rules or codes of honor, opposite to chivalrous knightly conduct.)
|
cowardly (Focuses on lack of bravery, which contrasts with the brave aspect of chivalrous behavior.)
Collocations
chivalrous knight
|chivalrous code
|chivalrous ideals
|chivalrous deed
|chivalrous hero
Themes
history
|literature
|character
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The novel tells the story of a chivalrous knight who sacrifices his life to defend his kingdom.
- Even in defeat, the general remained chivalrous, treating his enemies with respect and mercy.
- The king praised the soldier for his chivalrous conduct on the battlefield.
- Her poem celebrates the chivalrous ideals of loyalty, courage, and protection of the weak.
- They tried to follow a chivalrous code, refusing to attack unarmed civilians.
Learner examples
- The story is about a chivalrous knight who saves a village.
- People in the past admired chivalrous heroes who fought to protect others.
- He tried to live by a chivalrous code of honor and duty.
- In the film, the king chooses a chivalrous soldier to lead the army.
- The legend describes a chivalrous warrior who never hurts the weak.
Grammar
Dictionary form
chivalrous
IPA
GB/ʃˈɪvəlɹəs/
US/ʃˈɪvəlɹəs/
Syllables & stress
chiv - al - rous (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (chiv)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: chivalrous
Word family
Core family
chivalry
noun B2
Related words
chivalrously
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
unchivalrous
adjective
Advanced or less common
chivalric
adjective
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.