A word or expression used because it is thought to be socially more acceptable than the everyday word.
雅语；婉词
in German usage ‘sister’ was the accepted genteelism for ‘mistress’
在德语习惯用法中，“情妇”公认的委婉说法是“妹妹”。
Example sentencesExamples
Lady used to indicate a woman professional, as in lady doctor and lady lawyer, a genteelism that dates from a time when women were rare in such professions.
This genteelism is creeping in all over the place, as if the word ‘me’ has suddenly become impolite.
A word or expression used because it is thought to be socially more acceptable than the everyday word.
雅语；婉词
in German usage “sister” was the accepted genteelism for “mistress.”
在德语习惯用法中，“情妇”公认的委婉说法是“妹妹”。
Example sentencesExamples
This genteelism is creeping in all over the place, as if the word ‘me’ has suddenly become impolite.
Lady used to indicate a woman professional, as in lady doctor and lady lawyer, a genteelism that dates from a time when women were rare in such professions.