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 meeting occurred when Michelangelo paid the Venetian a courtesy visit in his rooms at the Belvedere Palace in the company of Giorgio Vasari, the celebrated biographer, and saw “Danaë.”

From The Wall Street Journal

His voice was harsh, but he greeted them with some gesture toward courtesy.

From Literature

Scotland were given the spot courtesy of being the highest-ranked team - in 14th - not already at the event.

From BBC

After such a brilliant round, Pimblett found himself on the canvas again in the fourth courtesy of two heavy right hands - but again, he got back up.

From BBC

This is not merely about tone or courtesy.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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