Galant (en. Gallant)

/ɡa.lɑ̃/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
adjective
One who shows courtesy and elegance in behavior towards others.
He is always very gallant with his colleagues.
Il est toujours très galant avec ses collègues.
One who is romantic and enchanting.
She appreciated his gallant gesture at the restaurant.
Elle a apprécié son geste galant au restaurant.
Refers to a man who is attracted to women without serious intentions.
He is a gallant, he never commits.
C'est un galant, il ne s'engage jamais.

Etymology

From Old French 'galant', derived from Latin 'galante' meaning 'joyful, pleasant'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

a gallant man
A man who knows how to behave courteously and respectfully towards women.
un homme galant
gallant gesture
An act of courtesy, often romantic.
geste galant
to have a gallant demeanor
To behave with a certain elegance or seduction.
avoir un air galant

Related Words

courtesy
Respectful and polite behavior towards others.
courtoisie
seducer
A person who seeks to seduce or charm others.
séducteur
elegance
Grace and distinction in the way of conducting oneself or dressing.
élégance

Slang Meanings

A man who flirts easily.
He is a bit gallant, always flirting with girls.
Il est un peu galant, toujours à draguer les filles.
Refers to a macho attitude towards women.
During this outing, he played the gallant, but it seemed forced.
Dans cette sortie, il a joué le galant, mais ça semblait forcé.