courteous
Americanadjective
adjective
Synonym Usage
See civil.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of courteous
1225–75; court + -eous; replacing Middle English co ( u ) rteis < Anglo-French; court, -ese
Explanation
If you are courteous, your good manners show friendliness and concern for others, like your courteous habit of holding the door for people entering a building with you. The adjective courteous comes from the Old French word curteis, which means “having courtly bearing or manners.” Courtly described the court — nobles who hung around the castle, the entourage of kings and queens. Their refined manners, not to mention their wealth and power, set them apart from the masses. So courteous behavior is a reminder of the value of good manners.
Vocabulary lists containing courteous
The Diary of Anne Frank
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Be Nice!
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Long-term patients, colleagues and doctors who know him also described him in similar terms: polite, unassuming and courteous.
From BBC • Jun. 28, 2026
Another took a similar courteous tone: “Erica, queen of them all… please let the mister give it one more go!”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026
Robinson has urged his attendees not to wear masks or drink excessive alcohol, and to be "peaceful and courteous".
From Barron's • May 16, 2026
Bridger was described by those who knew him as "always confident, courteous and charming" but when police seized his computer, a sordid secret was revealed.
From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026
He was very courteous and thanked me for all that I told him.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
