chivalry
chivalry
Pronunciation
Chivalry in IPA: /ˈʃɪvəlɹi/ (This is the most common pronunciation)
Breakdown by Syllable:
First syllable (ˈʃɪ):
/ˈ/: stress marker indicating primary stress on this syllable
/ʃ/: voiceless postalveolar fricative (similar to the "sh" sound in "ship")
/ɪ/: near-close near-front unrounded vowel (similar to the "i" sound in "bit")
Second syllable (vəlɹi):
/v/: labiodental voiced fricative (similar to the "v" sound in "van")
/əl/: syllabic schwa (a central vowel sound that acts as a weak vowel)
/ɹ/: alveolar approximant (similar to the "r" sound in "run")
/i/: close near-front unrounded vowel (similar to the "ee" sound in "beat")
Word Form Variations
Chivalry is a non-count noun. This means it refers to a concept or idea rather than a specific thing that can be pluralized. Therefore, it only has one form:
Chivalry (singular and plural)
However, there are related words that can be pluralized:
Chivalric (adjective): This describes something related to chivalry. (e.g., chivalric code, chivalric ideals) - Plural: Chivalrics
Unchivalry (noun): This is the opposite of chivalry, a lack of courteous behaviour. (not commonly used) - Plural: Unchivalries (somewhat uncommon)
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Chivalry (Noun)
Definition 1: A set of ideals emphasising courtesy, honour, courage, and respect, especially towards those perceived as weaker. (synonyms: courteousness, gallantry, respectfulness; antonyms: rudeness, dishonour, cowardice)
Definition 2: Old-fashioned politeness and respect, often shown by men towards women. (synonyms: politeness, deference, attentiveness; antonyms: disrespect, inconsideration, sexism)
Examples of Use
Literature:
Sir Lancelot, a knight from Arthurian legends, is often considered the epitome of chivalry, embodying courage, honour, and devotion (e.g., Sir Thomas Malory's "Le Morte d'Arthur").
Newspapers:
A headline might read: "Act of Chivalry: Bystander Helps Elderly Woman Cross Icy Street" (hypothetical example).
Online Publications:
A blog post might discuss the evolution of chivalry in modern dating culture, debating whether it's outdated or still relevant (e.g., articles on websites like The Atlantic or Psychology Today).
Entertainment Mediums:
In a superhero movie, a character might perform a chivalrous act by rescuing someone in danger, showcasing bravery and selflessness.
Chivalry can be satirised in comedic works, highlighting the awkwardness or impracticality of some traditional notions (e.g., Monty Python sketches).
General Public Discourse:
In everyday conversation, someone might say, "He treated her with chivalry, holding the door open and offering her his jacket."
Discussions about gender roles might reference chivalry, debating whether it promotes respect or reinforces outdated expectations.
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Chivalry
"The true spirit of chivalry is of Christian growth, and springs from that loving service which the Heavenly King himself rendered to humanity." - Charles Kingsley (British author)
"Chivalry is dead? It only sleeps a-while in the heart of a great people." - G.K. Chesterton (English writer)
"The age of chivalry is gone. That of sophisters, economists, and calculators has succeeded." - Edmund Burke (Irish philosopher)
"Justice is better than chivalry if we cannot have both." - G.K. Chesterton (another quote by Chesterton with a different perspective)
"The motto of chivalry is also the motto of wisdom; to serve all, but love only one." - G.H. Palmer (American philosopher)
"Chivalry isn't dead. It's just no longer gender-based." - Unknown (modern proverb)
"Chivalry is not dead. It is alive in the hearts of those who show respect and kindness to others." - Unknown (modern saying)
"Pray you, sir, do no harm to the lady." - William Shakespeare (from "Romeo and Juliet," highlighting the protective aspect of chivalry)
"Wherever women assemble without the control of men, there infallibly arises a loud, confident babble about emancipation." - H.L. Mencken (American satirist, critiquing some chivalry practices)
"One does not overturn a table. One rings the bell for the butler." - P.G. Wodehouse (British humorist, using chivalry for comedic effect)
Etymology
The word "chivalry" comes from the French word "chevalerie," which literally means "horse soldiery." Back in the Middle Ages, knights were the horseback warriors, so it makes sense!
The first time we saw "chivalry" used in English was around 1300. Originally, it just described those mounted knights themselves, or the whole group of them fighting together.
Over time, the meaning expanded beyond just horses. Knights became associated with a code of conduct – being brave, courteous, and helpful, especially towards those weaker than them. This code of ideals is what we now think of as "chivalry."
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Chivalry
Chivalrous act: This describes a kind or selfless deed, often done by someone seen as strong towards someone seen as weaker. (e.g., "He performed a chivalrous act by helping the elderly woman with her groceries.")
Chivalry is dead: This is a common saying that expresses the feeling that courteous behaviour, especially towards women, is no longer practised.
In defence of chivalry: This phrase is used to argue for the continued importance of courteous and respectful behaviour.
Damsel in distress: This refers to a helpless woman who needs rescuing, often used in fairy tales and sometimes applied (not always seriously) to situations where a woman needs help. (This idiom can be seen as outdated by some.)
Knight in shining armour: This refers to a heroic rescuer, often used in a romantic context.
To treat someone with chivalry: This means to be polite, respectful, and helpful towards them.
Posts Related to Chivalry
Source Information
Definition of chivalry from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
