Brave, honorable, and courteous conduct associated with an idealized knight.
Reach for it when praising courage tempered by courtesy in literary language
Her knightliness appeared in the way she protected the newcomer without seeking credit.
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everyday
Fits when respectful treatment is the supportable quality
Careful Courtesy alone lacks the bravery or protective duty of knightliness.
formal
Fits when a traditional code of courage and courtesy is intended
Careful Chivalry carries feudal and gendered assumptions that may not fit modern equality.
formal
Fits when moral dignity is more important than historical imagery
Careful Nobility can refer to rank and may overstate one courteous act.
formal
Fits when recognized courage in serious danger is central
Careful Valor omits courtesy and is strongly associated with conflict.
literary
Fits when courageous service to others is the evidence
Careful Gallantry can imply romantic courtesy or military bravery.
quiet knightliness
Quiet knightliness guided his defense of the unfairly blamed apprentice.
display of knightliness
Her display of knightliness joined courage with restraint.
old-fashioned knightliness
The novel questions whether old-fashioned knightliness can avoid paternalism.
Keep in mind
Knightliness is built on an idealized, historically gendered code. Courageous courtesy is clearer and less culturally loaded.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated
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