courtesy

American  

[kur-tuh-see, kurt-see] / ˈkɜr tə si, ˈkɜrt si /

noun

plural

courtesies

1. excellence of manners or social conduct; polite behavior.

   Her unfailing courtesy made her easy to work with.

   Synonyms:

   urbanity, civility, courteousness

2. a courteous, respectful, or considerate act or expression.

3. indulgence, consent, or acquiescence.

   He is a “colonel” by courtesy rather than by right.

4. favor, help, or generosity.

   The costumes for the play were by courtesy of the local department store.

5. a curtsy.

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adjective

1. done or performed as a matter of politeness or protocol.

   The council member paid a courtesy call on the mayor.

2. offered or provided free by the management.

   While waiting to board the airplane, we were provided with courtesy coffee.

idioms

1. courtesy of, from or given by.

   This tip comes courtesy of our inside source.

courtesy British  

/ ˈkɜːtɪsɪ /

noun

1. politeness; good manners

2. a courteous gesture or remark

3. favour or consent (esp in the phrase by courtesy of )

4. common consent as opposed to right (esp in the phrase by courtesy ) See also courtesy title

5. an archaic spelling of curtsy

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Other Word Forms

• overcourtesy noun
• uncourtesy noun

Etymology

Origin of courtesy

First recorded in 1175–1225; from Middle English curteisie, from Anglo-French, from Old French; equivalent to courteous ( def. ) + -y ³ ( def. )

Example Sentences

The Chargers got an early Christmas present Monday night courtesy of San Francisco, and they’re still hoping for more under the tree.

From Los Angeles Times

They then survived for two sessions, but the wheels came off courtesy of Lyon.

From Barron's

Each time I open the refrigerator, in fact, courtesy of a “Xena: Warrior Princess” magnet plastered at eye level.

From Salon

But now those regulatory distinctions are collapsing, courtesy of prediction markets.

From Barron's

“It” and “It: Chapter Two,” the adaptations of Stephen King’s epic 1986 novel, featured numerous horrific moments courtesy of the deadly clown Pennywise.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• civility
• deference
• generosity
• kindness
• reverence
• sympathy