Courtesy
/ˈkɜːrtəsi/
Definitions
2 meaningsPolite behavior; respect.
/ˈkɜːrtəsi/
Polite behavior or respect shown in your attitude and behavior towards others.
He showed great courtesy to his guests.
💡 Simply: It's like being extra nice to people, like saying 'please' and 'thank you' and being thoughtful of how they feel. Imagine you're at a friend's party and someone trips. Showing courtesy means helping them up and making sure they're okay instead of laughing.
👶 For kids: Being polite and kind to other people.
More Examples
She treated everyone with courtesy, regardless of their background.
The shop assistant's courtesy made the shopping experience pleasant.
How It's Used
"It is considered common courtesy to hold the door open for someone."
"We appreciate your courtesy in responding to our inquiry."
"The diplomats exchanged courtesies before the formal negotiations began."
A polite gesture.
/ˈkɜːrtəsi/
A polite gesture or action.
The manager made a courtesy call to offer the customer a discount.
💡 Simply: It's a small, thoughtful thing you do to be nice. Like sending a thank-you note after someone gives you a gift, or a phone call to check in on your grandma
👶 For kids: A nice thing you do for someone.
More Examples
As a courtesy, the host offered to drive her home.
She sent a courtesy card expressing her sympathies.
How It's Used
"As a courtesy, he offered her his seat on the bus."
"We would like to send a courtesy copy of the report."
"A courtesy call to inform of any change."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
by courtesy of
With the permission or assistance of; through the kindness of.
"The exhibit is shown by courtesy of the museum."
common courtesy
The basic level of politeness expected in social interactions.
"It's common courtesy to respond to an invitation."
From Old French *courteisie* meaning 'courtliness, elegance, courtesy,' from *cortois* meaning 'courteous,' ultimately from Latin *cors* (genitive *cortis*) meaning 'court'.
The term 'courtesy' has been used in English since the late 13th century, originally referring to behavior befitting a court or noble person.
Memory tip
Think of a court (as in a royal court). People there were expected to act with courtesy.
Word Origin
"courtliness, elegance"