courtesy

[kur-tuh-see, kurt-see]

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.

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.

courtesy

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• overcourtesy noun
• uncourtesy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of courtesy¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of courtesy¹

C13 curteisie, from Old French, from corteis _courteous

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. courtesy of, from or given by.

   This tip comes courtesy of our inside source.

Example Sentences

PC Park was found to have breached standards of professional behaviour for authority, respect and courtesy, discreditable conduct, challenging and reporting improper conduct, and equality and diversity, Scotland Yard said.

Read more on BBC

There is a thing about him, a courtesy, or what I read as courtesy.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But the home side equalised on the stroke of half-time courtesy of a rasping long-range drive from Vitinha following a short corner routine.

Read more on Barron's

These principles are a courtesy to the street, a gift to those who pass by and contribute to civic life.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

From seasoned turkey to citrus-infused relish and pies galore, here’s how to plan a budget Thanksgiving dinner, courtesy of the California-based retailer.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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