Chivalry
/ˈʃɪvəlri/
nounC1
Definition
Chivalry means behaving with respect, kindness, and honor, especially in how men treat women or others. It often includes being brave, polite, and helpful. This idea comes from the old times of knights, who followed special rules about good behavior.
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⚡ See It in Action
The qualities of being brave, honorable, and polite, especially in old times with knights
- •The knight showed great chivalry by protecting the village.
- •Chivalry was important in medieval times among warriors.
- •Stories about chivalry teach us about honor and respect.
Modern use: polite and respectful behavior, especially by men toward women
- •He showed chivalry by offering his seat to the elderly lady.
- •Some people believe chivalry is still important today.
- •Chivalry can mean small acts like opening doors or helping carry bags.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "chivalry" like "polite" (A2 word), but much stronger and connected to respect, bravery, and honor, not just saying "please" or "thank you"
- ✓Picture a knight in shining armor opening a door for someone or helping an old person cross the street
- ✓It's the feeling when someone shows respect and care in a strong, respectful way, like a hero in a story
- ✓Sounds like "SHIV-ul-ree" → Imagine a sharp sword (shiv) used not to hurt, but to protect and honor others
- ✓Remember fairy tales where knights save princesses and always act with honor and respect
- ✓NOT like "rude" or "selfish"—chivalry is about thinking of others and acting with kindness and courage
- ✓NOT just "polite" (which can be simple manners)—chivalry includes being brave and honorable, not only polite
- ✓NOT like "charm" (which is about being attractive or nice)—chivalry is about respect and strong good behavior
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Courtesy: polite behavior (Use when focusing on good manners without the idea of bravery or honor)
- •Gallantry: brave and polite behavior, especially by men (Use when emphasizing bravery in addition to politeness)
- •Honor: high respect and good moral behavior (Use when focusing on respect and moral goodness)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: "chival-" from Old French "cheval" meaning "horse" (knights rode horses) + "-ry" (a noun suffix meaning quality or condition)
- •Etymology: From Old French, related to knights and horsemen in medieval Europe
- •Historical development: Originally meant the qualities and rules knights followed, including bravery, loyalty, and protecting others
- •Modern usage: Now used more broadly for polite, respectful, and honorable behavior, especially by men toward women
💭 Reflect & Connect
•How do you think chivalry fits in today’s world where people want equality between men and women?
•Can acts of chivalry be seen as both respectful and old-fashioned? Why or why not?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.Chivalry often means showing ___ by helping others and acting with honor.
2.A knight’s chivalry includes being ___ in battle and respectful to others.
3.Today, chivalry can be seen when someone ___ a door open for another person.
4.Unlike simple politeness, chivalry usually involves a sense of ___ and protection.
5.People sometimes debate if chivalry is ___ or still important in modern society.
6.Chivalry is not just about words but also about ___ actions that show respect.
7.When someone shows chivalry, they often act with ___ and kindness together.