Gentleman

A man whose conduct is notably courteous, honorable, and considerate.

Reach for it when praising a man's behavior when the gendered traditional term is welcome

He remained a gentleman throughout the difficult negotiation.

• playful

  gent

  a brief informal label suits friendly conversation

  not when Gent can sound dated, affected, or merely identify a man.

• everyday

  courteous man

  polite consideration is the exact behavior being praised

  not when Courtesy alone does not establish the broader integrity associated with gentleman.

• warm

  decent man

  basic kindness and moral reliability matter most

  not when Decent is modest praise and lacks the cultivated manner of gentleman.

• formal

  gentleperson

  a gender-neutral counterpart is needed in inclusive writing

  not when Gentleperson is uncommon and may draw more attention to wording than conduct.

• formal

  man of honor

  integrity and principled conduct are central

  not when The phrase sounds solemn and says less about everyday courtesy.

• cad
• boor
• ruffian

• perfect gentleman

  The rival captain was a perfect gentleman after the final whistle.

• true gentleman

  A true gentleman made room for every voice at the table.

• gentleman scholar

  The archive remembers him as a gentleman scholar with generous habits.

Gentleman has historical class meanings and remains gendered. Courtesy or honorable person may fit more inclusive contexts.