Gallant
/ˈɡælənt/
Definitions
3 meaningsBrave, heroic, and showing courage, especially in the face of danger.
/ˈɡælənt/
Brave and heroic
The gallant firefighter rescued the family from the burning building.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone who's super brave and willing to do the right thing, like a superhero who faces danger without fear. They're *gallant*!
👶 For kids: When someone is brave and acts like a hero, they're *gallant*!
More Examples
He made a gallant attempt to climb the mountain despite the harsh weather.
Her gallant actions during the crisis earned her a medal of honor.
How It's Used
"The gallant knight charged fearlessly into battle."
"The general praised the gallant soldiers for their bravery."
Polite and attentive to women; chivalrous.
/ˈɡælənt/
Polite and attentive to women; chivalrous
He was gallant enough to offer her his coat when it started to rain.
💡 Simply: Think of a gentleman who is very polite and kind, especially to women. Like, holding the door open or offering a helping hand. That's *gallant*!
👶 For kids: When someone is very polite and nice to other people, especially ladies, they are being *gallant*!
More Examples
The gallant young man offered his seat on the bus to the elderly woman.
Her dates were always gallant, bringing flowers and opening doors.
How It's Used
"The gallant gentleman held the door open for her."
"He was known for his gallant behavior towards women."
A man attentive to women, often to the point of flirtation.
/ˈɡælənt/
A man who is attentive to women; a ladies' man
He was known as a gallant with many female admirers.
💡 Simply: A man who is very charming and enjoys paying attention to women, often in a flirty way.
👶 For kids: A man who is super nice and likes to flirt with girls!
More Examples
The play featured a dashing gallant who swept the heroine off her feet.
The ladies whispered about the new gallant in town.
How It's Used
"He was quite the gallant, always surrounded by admirers."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
gallant effort
A brave and determined attempt, especially one that may not succeed but is admirable.
"Despite the team's defeat, their gallant effort in the final minutes was commendable."
From Old French *galant* (brave, courtly), from *galer* (to enjoy oneself), of uncertain origin, possibly related to Old French *gai* (gay, joyful).
The word *gallant* was very common in medieval romances and chivalric tales.
Memory tip
Think of a *gallant* knight in shining armor, always ready to fight for what's right.