adj
Uncommon
courteous
KUR-tee-uhs
Courteous (adj) means Polite and considerate toward others. Example: “The staff were courteous and helpful throughout our stay.”
adj
1
Polite and considerate toward others.
"The staff were courteous and helpful throughout our stay."
"A courteous driver let the pedestrians cross first."
How to use courteous
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPolite and respectful in manner.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "curious" — different word, different meaning entirely.
Common pairings
courteous service
courteous manner
unfailingly courteous
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more courteous
- Superlative
- most courteous
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The staff were _____ and helpful throughout our stay.
Etymology
From Old French curteis (meaning "of the court"), reflecting the polished manners expected of people at a royal court.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for courteous
See all rhymes for courteous →Frequently asked questions
What does “courteous” mean?
The word “courteous” means polite and considerate toward others. In plain terms, polite and respectful in manner.
How do you pronounce “courteous”?
“Courteous” is pronounced KUR-tee-uhs (/ˈkɝti.əs/ in IPA).
How do you use “courteous” in a sentence?
Here is “courteous” used in a sentence: “The staff were courteous and helpful throughout our stay.”
What part of speech is “courteous”?
“Courteous” is an adjective.
Where does the word “courteous” come from?
The word “courteous” comes from Old French. From Old French curteis (meaning "of the court"), reflecting the polished manners expected of people at a royal court.
Is “courteous” a common word?
“Courteous” is an uncommon word in modern English.
