courtesy
KUR-tuh-see
Courtesy (noun) means Polite, respectful behavior toward others. Example: “It is a matter of courtesy to reply promptly when someone invites you.”
noun
1
Polite, respectful behavior toward others.
"It is a matter of courtesy to reply promptly when someone invites you."
"He held the door open out of simple courtesy."
"Basic courtesy means saying please and thank you."
adj
1
Given free of charge, or done as a polite gesture rather than an obligation.
"Guests can borrow a courtesy umbrella from the front desk if it rains."
"The hotel offers a courtesy shuttle to the airport."
"She got a courtesy call reminding her of the appointment."
How to use courtesy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPoliteness, or something offered free as a nice gesture.
Common pairings
common courtesy
courtesy call
courtesy of
extend courtesy
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Word forms
- Plural
- courtesies
Fill the gap
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It is a matter of _____ to reply promptly when someone invites you.
Etymology
From Old French curteisie/cortoisie, related to courteous, ultimately tied to "court" and the manners expected there.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for courtesy
See all rhymes for courtesy →Frequently asked questions
What does “courtesy” mean?
The word “courtesy” means polite, respectful behavior toward others. In plain terms, politeness, or something offered free as a nice gesture.
How do you pronounce “courtesy”?
“Courtesy” is pronounced KUR-tuh-see (/ˈkɝɾəsi/ in IPA).
How do you use “courtesy” in a sentence?
Here is “courtesy” used in a sentence: “He held the door open out of simple courtesy.”
What part of speech is “courtesy”?
Depending on how it is used, “courtesy” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “courtesy” come from?
The word “courtesy” comes from Old French. From Old French curteisie/cortoisie, related to courteous, ultimately tied to "court" and the manners expected there.
Is “courtesy” a common word?
“Courtesy” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “courtesy” have?
“Courtesy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: polite, respectful behavior toward others.
What is the difference between "courtesy" and "curtsy"?
"Courtesy" means polite, respectful behavior toward others, while "curtsy" is a formal greeting made by bending the knees, traditionally by women. Although they sound similar and share a root, they are spelled differently and have distinct meanings.
What is the difference between "courtesy" and "politeness"?
"Politeness" refers to good manners and pleasant behavior in general, while "courtesy" adds a sense of genuine respect and consideration for others. Courtesy often implies thoughtful gestures that go slightly beyond basic politeness.
