Gallant vs. Chivalry — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 17, 2024
Gallant refers to a person's bravery and noble behavior, often in a courteous and attentive manner. Chivalry is a code of conduct associated with medieval knighthood, emphasizing virtues such as honor, courtesy, and bravery.
Difference Between Gallant and Chivalry
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Gallant describes an individual, typically a man, who exhibits bravery, nobility, and courtesy, especially towards women. This term is often used to highlight actions or demeanor that are bold and respectful. Chivalry, on the other hand, refers to a historical code of conduct associated with knights during the medieval period, encompassing virtues like honor, bravery, and respect towards women and the weak.
Gallant behavior is characterized by acts of bravery and courtesy. A gallant person might go out of their way to help others, displaying both courage and respect. Chivalry is a broader concept that includes a set of moral and social codes, such as protecting the helpless and upholding justice, often romanticized in tales of knights and their deeds.
The term gallant is often used in contemporary settings to describe someone's noble and respectful actions, especially in social contexts. Chivalry is more historical and ideological, often discussed in the context of medieval history or used metaphorically to describe similar virtues in modern times.
Gallant actions are individual and situational, such as a person helping someone in need or showing exceptional politeness. Chivalry encompasses a more systemic and structured approach to ethical behavior, originally tied to the knightly class but also applicable in discussions about idealized conduct.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Bravery and noble behavior, courteous acts
Medieval code of conduct for knights
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Context
Individual actions, often in social settings
Historical and ideological, broader code
Emphasis
Bravery and courtesy
Honor, bravery, respect for the weak
Usage
Describing respectful and brave actions
Referring to knightly virtues and behavior
Modern Relevance
Used to describe noble actions today
Often metaphorical, referencing ideals
Compare with Definitions
Gallant
Showing special respect and attentiveness.
He was gallant, always holding doors open for others.
Chivalry
Upholding high moral standards.
Modern concepts of chivalry still value integrity and kindness.
Gallant
Stylish and spirited.
The gallant soldier looked impressive in his uniform.
Chivalry
Valuing and protecting women.
Chivalry involved treating women with the utmost respect.
Gallant
Smartly or boldly stylish; dashing
A gallant feathered hat.
Cut a gallant figure at the coronation.
Chivalry
Often idealized in literature and history.
Tales of chivalry inspired many with their noble deeds and adventures.
Gallant
Unflinching in battle or action; valiant
Put up a gallant resistance to the attackers.
Chivalry
Emphasizing honorable and brave actions.
The knight’s chivalry was evident in his defense of the kingdom.
Gallant
Nobly or selflessly resolute
Made a gallant attempt to save her friend's reputation.
Chivalry
Chivalry, or the chivalric code, is an informal and varying code of conduct developed between 1170 and 1220. It was associated with the medieval Christian institution of knighthood; knights' and gentlemen's behaviours were governed by chivalrous social codes.
Gallant
Stately; majestic
A gallant ship.
Chivalry
The medieval system, principles, and customs of knighthood.
Gallant
Courteously attentive especially to women; chivalrous.
Chivalry
The qualities idealized by knighthood, such as bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry toward women.
Gallant
Flirtatious; amorous.
Chivalry
A manifestation of any of these qualities.
Gallant
A fashionable young man.
Chivalry
(Archaic) A group of knights or gallant gentlemen.
Gallant
A man courteously attentive to women.
Chivalry
Cavalry; horsemen armed for battle.
Gallant
A male lover, especially one who is courteously attentive.
Chivalry
(obsolete) The fact or condition of being a knight; knightly skill, prowess.
Gallant
To woo or pay court to (a lady).
Chivalry
The ethical code of the knight prevalent in Medieval Europe, having such primary virtues as mercy towards the poor and oppressed, humility, honour, sacrifice, fear of God, faithfulness, courage and utmost graciousness and courtesy to ladies.
Gallant
To play the gallant.
Chivalry
Courtesy, respect and honourable conduct between opponents in wartime.
Gallant
Brave, valiant.
Chivalry
Courteous behaviour, especially that of men towards women.
Gallant
Honorable.
Chivalry
A tenure of lands by knightly service.
Gallant
Grand, noble.
Chivalry
A body or order of cavaliers or knights serving on horseback; illustrious warriors, collectively; cavalry.
By his lightDid all the chivalry of England move,To do brave acts.
Gallant
(obsolete) Showy; splendid; magnificent; gay; well-dressed.
Chivalry
The dignity or system of knighthood; the spirit, usages, or manners of knighthood; the practice of knight-errantry.
Gallant
Polite and attentive to ladies; courteous to women; chivalrous.
Chivalry
The qualifications or character of knights, as valor, dexterity in arms, courtesy, etc.
The glory of our Troy this day doth lieOn his fair worth and single chivalry.
Gallant
(dated) A fashionable young man who is polite and attentive to women.
Chivalry
A tenure of lands by knight's service; that is, by the condition of a knight's performing service on horseback, or of performing some noble or military service to his lord.
Gallant
One who woos, a lover, a suitor, a seducer.
Chivalry
Exploit.
Gallant
(nautical) A topgallant.
Chivalry
Courtesy towards women
Gallant
To attend or wait on (a lady).
To gallant ladies to the play
Chivalry
The medieval principles of knighthood
Gallant
To handle with grace or in a modish manner.
To gallant a fan
Chivalry
Ethical and social code for knights.
Chivalry dictated that knights protect the weak and uphold justice.
Gallant
To conduct, escort, convey.
Gallant
Showy; splendid; magnificent; gay; well-dressed.
The town is built in a very gallant place.
Our royal, good and gallant ship.
Gallant
Noble in bearing or spirit; brave; high-spirited; courageous; heroic; magnanimous; as, a gallant youth; a gallant officer.
That gallant spirit hath aspired the clouds.
The gay, the wise, the gallant, and the grave.
Gallant
Polite and attentive to ladies; courteous to women; chivalrous.
Gallant
A man of mettle or spirit; a gay, fashionable man; a young blood.
Gallant
One fond of paying attention to ladies.
Gallant
One who wooes; a lover; a suitor; in a bad sense, a seducer.
Gallant
To attend or wait on, as a lady; as, to gallant ladies to the play.
Gallant
To handle with grace or in a modish manner; as, to gallant a fan.
Gallant
A man who is much concerned with his dress and appearance
Gallant
A man who attends or escorts a woman
Gallant
Unflinching in battle or action;
A gallant warrior
Put up a gallant resistance to the attackers
Gallant
Lively and spirited;
A dashing hero
Gallant
Having or displaying great dignity or nobility;
A gallant pageant
Lofty ships
Majestic cities
Proud alpine peaks
Gallant
Having the qualities of gallantry attributed to an ideal knight
Gallant
Exhibiting bravery and noble behavior.
The gallant firefighter saved the child from the burning building.
Gallant
Acting with honor and integrity.
His gallant actions earned him the admiration of many.
Gallant
Willing to take risks for noble causes.
The gallant knight rode into battle without hesitation.
Common Curiosities
What are examples of gallant actions?
Examples include rescuing someone in danger, showing exceptional politeness, and acting with integrity.
What is chivalry?
Chivalry is a medieval code of conduct for knights, emphasizing virtues such as honor, bravery, and respect for the weak.
Can gallant be used to describe women?
Yes, while traditionally associated with men, gallant can describe any brave and noble individual.
How does chivalry manifest in modern times?
Modern chivalry can manifest in acts of kindness, integrity, and respect for others.
Does chivalry only pertain to interactions with women?
No, chivalry also encompasses general virtues like bravery and protecting the weak.
Can chivalry apply to non-knights?
Yes, chivalry's principles can apply to anyone upholding its virtues.
How can one exhibit gallant behavior?
By showing bravery, acting nobly, and treating others with respect and courtesy.
Is chivalry still relevant today?
Chivalry, as an ideal, remains relevant in promoting honorable and respectful behavior.
Is being gallant always related to heroism?
Not always; it can also refer to courteous and respectful behavior in everyday situations.
Is chivalry a universal concept?
While rooted in medieval Europe, similar codes of honor exist in various cultures.
What does gallant mean?
Gallant refers to bravery, nobility, and courteous behavior, especially towards women.
What is a modern example of chivalry?
Helping someone in distress or standing up for justice can be seen as modern chivalry.
Does gallant imply a certain appearance?
It can; gallant often also refers to a dashing or impressive appearance.
Can chivalry be considered outdated?
Some aspects might seem outdated, but the core virtues of honor and respect are timeless.
Are gallant and chivalrous synonyms?
They are related but not identical; gallant focuses on individual actions, while chivalry refers to a broader code of conduct.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
