Definition of gent

The origin of the word "gent" can be traced back to the Middle English language, where it was spelled "gentil" or "gentil/le." The term originated as a shortened form of the phrase "gentile person," which referred to someone who was of noble birth or high social status. The precise etymology of "gentil" is uncertain, but it is thought to have derived from the Old French word "gentilz" or "gentillz," which meant "noble" or "aristocratic." The Old French word, in turn, is believed to have originated from the Latin word "genere," which meant "by birth" or "by family descent." In Middle English, the term "gentil" was used to describe any person who was born into a noble or aristocratic family, regardless of their individual character or behavior. By the 15th century, however, the term had begun to take on a broader meaning, encompassing qualities such as courtesy, politeness, and refinement. In modern English, the word "gent" is still used, primarily in old-fashioned or dialectal speech, to refer to a man, particularly one of respectable social status. Its usage has declined in formal contexts, however, as more egalitarian attitudes have come to predominate in Western society. Overall, the origin of the word "gent" provides insight into the historical notions of nobility, social status, and gentility, and offers a window into the evolution of the English language over time.