What is a 'Gentleman' and how would you define one?

Question

As my screen name defines me, I thought I would ask a question based upon my observations of other questions on here like; "Where are all the real men?" etc.... So.
My perceptions of a gentleman are as follows:
A man who considers the thoughts and others before those of himself and treats people and especially those closest to him in a manner that they would wish to be treated.

What are your perceptions of a 'Gentleman'

Answer 1

Together with your description which is excellent,my definition would include:A cultured,honourable,courteous person who is well educated in social graces.A gentle--man.
Would that not make a good epitaph?
"He was a Gentle-Man."

Answer 2

Long dying out in the World but you got the description right.
This website shows the depth that things have got to.

http://www.boysstuff.co.uk/product.asp?id=12158


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With a nine inch handle and the benefit of five fingers (oo-er missus), the Gentleman's Ball Scratcher is guaranteed to provide the relief you need at difficult moments. Trust us, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. The perfect tongue-in-cheek gift for the man who has everything (including an itch).

Dishwasher safe and stain resistant.

Answer 3

My boyfriend, We have been together for 3 years and we still get strange looks when he opens my car door to let me in first, if it is raining I will wait in a dry place while he gets the umbrella or car. He gives me his coat if I am cold, I order first when we go out to eat. I suppose this wouldn't seem so strange if we were 50 or so but he is 22 and I am 20, People ask him what the hell he is opening my door for all the time and many older men have praised him openly for doing so. I have never met another male that has treated his wife or girlfriend like this, not of my age anyhow. I do believe that I have found the almost extinct species which is know as "Gentleman".

Answer 4

The term gentleman (from Latin gentilis, belonging to a race or "gens", and "man", cognate with the French word gentilhomme, the Spanish gentilhombre and the Italian gentil uomo or gentiluomo), in its original and strict signification, denoted a man of good family, the Latin generosus (its invariable translation in English-Latin documents). In this sense the word equates with the French gentilhomme (nobleman), which latter term was in Great Britain long confined to the peerage. The term "gentry" (from the Old French genterise for gentelise) has much of the social class significance of the French noblesse or of the German Adel, but without the strict technical requirements of those traditions (such as quarters of nobility). This was what the rebels under John Ball in the 14th century meant when they repeated:

When Adam delved and Eve span,
Who was then the Gentleman?

John Selden in Titles of Honour, (1614), discussing the title "gentleman", speaks of "our English use of it" as "convertible with nobilis" (an ambiguous word, like 'noble' meaning elevated either by rank or by personal qualities) and describes in connection with it the forms of ennobling in various European countries.

To a degree, "gentleman" signified a man who did not need to work, and the term was particularly used of those of them who could not claim nobility or even the rank of esquire. Widening further, it became a politeness for all men, as in the phrase "Ladies and Gentlemen,..." and this was then used (often with the abbreviation Gents) to indicate where men could find a lavatory, without the need to indicate precisely what was being described.

In modern speech, the term is usually democratised so as to include any man of good, courteous conduct, or even to all men (as in indications of gender-separated facilities).

Answer 5

this u gave us was the definition of a polite person. gentleman is a noble man, well educated and well behaved, always in control in all situations, of course with a good career and money. i can't imagine a bum being a gentleman even if he considers wishes of others and puts them ahead of his own

Answer 6

For me, a gentleman is a guy who:
-As you say, thinks about others and not just himself all the time.
-Understands a woman's feelings and knows her well enough to be able to comfort her when she needs him.
-Knows exactly the right things to say and the right times to say them.
-Isn't afraid to fight with his girl if he feels it's necessary to settle something.
-Is respectful towards her values and dreams, and believes that important decisions must be made as a couple.
-Is open enough to tell her when he needs her and to share the good times and bad.
-Opens the car door for her.

Sorry...I have high standards...

Answer 7

The same as yours. Great definition of a gentleman. Sounds like you. Is great to know.

Answer 8

The same as yours my Friend, I would add honesty and integrity to that as well! A very rare species today, I'm afraid! Have a good day!

Answer 9

A well-mannered wolf, who shaves really close and behaves like faithful dog so as not to alert the prey to his true intentions...

Answer 10

A person who treats all people with respect. A person who is kind and friendly, helpful and trust worthy.