What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cavaliere
Example
He acted like a true cavaliere, holding the door open for the lady. [cavaliere: noun]
Example
The cavaliere offered his seat to the elderly woman on the bus. [cavaliere: adjective]
gentleman
Example
He is such a gentleman, always offering to help others. [gentleman: noun]
Example
She appreciated his gentlemanly behavior, opening the car door for her. [gentlemanly: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gentleman is more commonly used than cavaliere in everyday English. Gentleman is a versatile word that is widely understood and can be used to describe a well-mannered person regardless of gender. On the other hand, cavaliere is less common and may be unfamiliar to many English speakers.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cavaliere and gentleman?
While cavaliere has a more formal and old-fashioned connotation, gentleman can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Gentleman is a more flexible term that can be used to describe someone's behavior or character in various settings.
