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.
Hawthorne called Thoreau “ugly as sin, long-nosed, queer-mouthed, and with uncouth and somewhat rustic, although courteous manners.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026
During his training, he said he was told he had to be courteous at all times and treat the customers like family.
From BBC ● Jun. 3, 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
Remember to be a courteous visitor when viewing wildflowers.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 17, 2026
The queen’s words were courteous enough, though her tone said, It is no more than your duty, and you had best hope these quarters please me.
From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin
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.
