gallant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gallant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is brave, heroic, or chivalrous, often in a romantic context. Example: "He made a gallant effort to rescue the stranded hikers, showing great courage and determination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Wes Hoolahan converted the second-half penalty after the centre-back was dismissed for deliberate handball and, despite a brief fightback by gallant Ipswich Town, Norwich regained the lead and now they are on their way to Wembley.

The Guardian - Sport

Edredon Bleu's win in the 2000 Queen Mother Champion Chase was hailed as one of the great finishes of all, as McCoy's mount edged the gallant Direct Route.

The Guardian - Sport

They were Zealots, the remnants of the Jewish rebels against Rome, who after a desperate battle chose a gallant mass suicide in preference to certain defeat by the imperial army.

The Economist

The gallant aphorisms of Don Marquis's "archy and mehitabel" appealed to her: "it's cheerio my deario that pulls a lady through" was often on her lips in hard times.Throughout her life Marjorie battled against her physical limits, though she rarely spoke of them.

The Economist

The mighty dollar needs to be balanced by the gallant young euro.

The Economist

In "Rubber Bullets" (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1997), for instance, Yaron Ezrahi, a political scientist, makes a gallant attempt to weave Israel's new readiness to face up to its past with its crisis of conscience during the Palestinian intifada.

The Economist

Mr Kouchner is a gallant sort, but not all his colleagues are so kind.

The Economist

The image back home of the soldiers at Gallipoli was "tough and inventive…chivalrous, gallant and sardonic", wrote Bill Mandle, an Australian historian who died in May.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It was soon apparent that Omaha had inherited sire Gallant Fox's early racing habits, for he too was a slow starter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For the second paper of the trio, published in Current Biology in September, shows that it is now possible to make a surprisingly accurate reconstruction, in full motion and glorious Technicolor, of exactly what is passing through an awake person's mind.This study was done by Jack Gallant of the University of California, Berkeley.

The Economist

Winners include William H. Gass, Mario Vargas Llosa, Mavis Gallant, Philip Roth, and Cynthia Ozick.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "gallant" when you want to evoke a sense of traditional heroism or refined bravery. It can add a touch of elegance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "gallant" solely as a synonym for "brave" without considering its connotations of chivalry and honor. While bravery is a component, "gallant" often implies a specific type of noble or refined courage.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "gallant" primarily functions to describe a noun, attributing to it qualities of bravery, chivalry, or nobility. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English and provides multiple examples of its use in describing courageous actions and individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "gallant" is a versatile term used to describe acts, individuals, or efforts characterized by bravery, chivalry, or nobility. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While it can sometimes carry a formal or slightly archaic tone, its primary function is to convey admiration and respect for courageous and honorable behavior. When writing, use "gallant" to evoke a sense of traditional heroism and consider its nuances of chivalry to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valiant

Emphasizes courage and bravery, particularly in the face of danger.

brave

A general term for facing danger or showing courage.

courageous

Highlights inner strength and determination in confronting fear.

chivalrous

Focuses on courteous and honorable behavior, especially towards women.

heroic

Implies extraordinary bravery and self-sacrifice.

dashing

Highlights a spirited and stylish bravery.

noble

Emphasizes high moral principles and integrity.

honorable

Stresses adherence to ethical standards and principles.

intrepid

Suggests fearlessness and determination.

stouthearted

Focuses on unwavering courage and resilience.

FAQs

How can I use "gallant" in a sentence?

You can use "gallant" to describe someone brave and chivalrous, as in, "The "gallant knight" rescued the princess." It can also describe a noble effort, such as, "They made a "gallant attempt" to win the game."

What's the difference between "gallant" and "brave"?

"Brave" is a general term for showing courage, while "gallant" implies a more refined or chivalrous form of bravery. A "gallant act" often involves honor and courtesy, especially towards others.

What can I say instead of "gallant"?

You can use alternatives like "valiant", "courageous", or "chivalrous", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. For example, "valiant effort" highlights bravery, while "chivalrous gentleman" emphasizes courtesy.

Is "gallant" still commonly used today?

Yes, "gallant" is still used, but it can sometimes sound slightly formal or old-fashioned. It's often used in historical contexts or when describing acts of traditional heroism or chivalry. Modern synonyms might include "heroic" or "courageous".