The modern chivalry meaning is courteous, considerate and protective behaviour, especially kindness shown to people who might need help. Offering your seat on a crowded bus or walking a friend to her car late at night are everyday acts many people call chivalry.
The word began on the battlefield. In medieval Europe, chivalry meant the knights themselves and the code they were expected to follow: courage in war, loyalty to their lord, protection of the weak and good manners at court. Today it mostly describes manners, and people sometimes debate whether those manners are kind or old-fashioned.
Entry at a glance
Meaning
Courteous, brave and generous conduct; the medieval code of knightsPart of speech
Noun (uncountable)Pronunciation
SHIV-uhl-reeWord forms
chivalrous (adjective), chivalrously (adverb), chivalric (adjective, about the knightly system)Origin
Old French chevalerie, from chevalier, "knight, horseman"; in English around 1300Close words
gallantry, courtesy, honour, gentlemanlinessOpposite
rudeness, discourtesy, boorishnessRegister
Neutral; slightly old-fashioned in everyday speech
The chivalry meaning in daily life
Ask what chivalry means now and most people describe small, polite gestures: opening a door, carrying a heavy bag for someone, standing up when a guest arrives, or making sure a date gets home safely. The idea is thoughtful courtesy, often with a touch of protectiveness.
Traditionally these acts were expected from men toward women, and the word still carries that picture. Many people now use it more broadly, for any generous, gracious behaviour shown by anyone to anyone.
The chivalry definition in history
To define chivalry as a historian would, you need three layers:
- A body of knights: the earliest English sense, around 1300, meant mounted warriors as a group, as in "the chivalry of France rode out".
- Knighthood as a system: the rank, training and duties of a knight in feudal society.
- A code of conduct: from the late 1300s, the ideals knights were meant to live by, including bravery, honour, loyalty, generosity, mercy toward a defeated enemy, defence of the weak and refined manners toward ladies.
Real knights did not always live up to the code. Much of the romantic image of chivalry came from poems and tales, and later from a revival of interest in the Middle Ages in the 1700s and 1800s.
Chivalry in example sentences
- In an act of quiet chivalry, the young man gave his umbrella to the woman waiting at the bus stop.
- Our history lesson covered how squires trained for years before they were knighted into chivalry.
- He thinks chivalry means paying for every meal, but his partner prefers to split the bill.
- The captain's chivalrous praise for the losing team won fans on both sides.
- Some readers find the chivalric tales thrilling; others find the heroes a bit too perfect.
Where the word comes from
Chivalry reached English from Old French chevalerie, built on chevalier, a knight or horseman. That goes back to Medieval Latin caballarius, "horseman", from Latin caballus, a word for a horse. So at its root, chivalry is simply "horse-riding", because knights were the warriors who fought on horseback. English cavalry and cavalier share the same family.
Chivalrous, gallant, courteous: choosing the right word
| Word | Typical sense |
|---|---|
| Chivalrous | Courteous and protective, with a sense of honour |
| Gallant | Brave, or showy politeness toward women; a bit theatrical |
| Courteous | Simply polite and respectful, no gender idea attached |
| Gentlemanly | Behaving the way a polite man is expected to |
| Noble | Having high moral qualities |
Be careful with cavalier. Although it shares the same root, today it usually means careless or offhand, as in "a cavalier attitude to safety", almost the opposite of chivalrous care. For related values, see integrity, virtue and respect.
Is chivalry dead? Why people disagree
The phrase "chivalry is dead" is a common complaint that people have stopped being polite or considerate. Views on modern chivalry differ, and it helps to know the main positions:
- Supporters see it as simple kindness and good manners, and miss it when it fades.
- Critics argue that some traditions treat women as fragile or in need of protection, and prefer courtesy that is the same for everyone.
- Many people take a middle path: keep the thoughtfulness, drop any assumption about who should do what.
In practice, a gesture usually lands well when it is offered freely and accepted freely. Explore more character words in people and feelings.
Frequently asked questions
For a child or a learner, what does chivalry mean?
Polite, kind and brave behaviour, especially helping or protecting others. It started as the code of medieval knights and now mostly means good manners.
What is the adjective for chivalry?
Chivalrous. You might say "a chivalrous gesture" or "he was chivalrous enough to give up his seat". Chivalric is used for the historical system of knighthood.
How do you pronounce chivalry?
SHIV-uhl-ree, beginning with a "sh" sound, not "ch" as in chair. The spelling keeps an old French form, but the sound changed long ago.
Is chivalry only for men?
Historically it was a code for knights, who were men, and it often focused on behaviour toward women. Today many people apply the word to anyone who shows generous courtesy.
What are the main values of knightly chivalry?
Courage, loyalty, honour, generosity, mercy, protection of the weak and courteous manners. Different writers in the Middle Ages listed the virtues in different ways.
Is chivalry a positive word?
Mostly yes. It usually praises someone's manners. It can sound old-fashioned, and some people use it with mild irony.