What does “Gentility without ability is worse than plain beggary.” mean?
"Gentility without ability is worse than plain beggary" means that having a high social status or refined manners is not as valuable as having the skills or abilities to accomplish something.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He may come from a wealthy family, but gentility without ability is worse than plain beggary. He lacks the skills to succeed on his own.
Example
She may have all the manners and etiquette, but gentility without ability is worse than plain beggary. She can't seem to accomplish anything of value.
Example
In this competitive world, gentility without ability is worse than plain beggary. It's not enough to just have a prestigious background; you need to have the skills to back it up
Is “Gentility without ability is worse than plain beggary.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Gentility without ability is worse than plain beggary.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Gentility without ability is worse than plain beggary.” effectively in context?
You can use "Gentility without ability is worse than plain beggary" to emphasize the importance of skills and abilities over social status or refined manners. It suggests that having a high social status or refined manners alone is not as valuable as having the skills or abilities to accomplish something. For example, if someone is relying solely on their family's wealth or prestigious background without putting in the effort to develop their own skills, you might say, 'Remember, gentility without ability is worse than plain beggary.'
- 1Education
In today's competitive job market, it's important for students to understand that gentility without ability is worse than plain beggary. Employers value practical skills and experience more than just a prestigious degree.
- 2Career
He may have all the connections in the industry, but gentility without ability is worse than plain beggary. Without the necessary skills and knowledge, he won't be able to succeed in his career.
- 3Personal Development
She realized that gentility without ability is worse than plain beggary. She decided to focus on developing her skills and abilities rather than relying solely on her social status.
Similar phrases to “Gentility without ability is worse than plain beggary.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Gentility without ability is worse than plain beggary.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Gentility without ability is worse than plain beggary" is unknown.
Is “Gentility without ability is worse than plain beggary.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Gentility without ability is worse than plain beggary" is not very common in everyday conversation. It is more commonly found in literature or used in formal settings to convey a deeper meaning about the value of skills and abilities.
What tone does “Gentility without ability is worse than plain beggary.” have?
"Gentility without ability is worse than plain beggary" conveys a tone of emphasis and critique. It highlights the importance of substance over appearance and challenges the notion that social status or refined manners alone are enough to succeed.
Can “Gentility without ability is worse than plain beggary.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Gentility without ability is worse than plain beggary" is more formal in nature. It is often used in written or spoken discourse that explores deeper themes or critiques societal norms. While it can be used in everyday conversations, it may sound more sophisticated or intellectual.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He may have all the manners and etiquette, but gentility without ability is worse than plain beggary. He can't seem to accomplish anything of value.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, "gentility without ability is worse than plain beggary"!' to imply the importance of skills and abilities.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- ability is more important than gentility
- skills matter more than social status
- substance over appearance
- talent outweighs refinement
Antonyms
- gentility is better than ability
- beggary is better than gentility without ability
- manners matter more than skills
