courtly

[ kawrt-lee, kohrt- ]

/ ˈkɔrt li, ˈkoʊrt- /

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See synonyms for: courtly / courtliness on Thesaurus.com

adjective, court·li·er, court·li·est.

polite, refined, or elegant: courtly manners.

flattering; obsequious.

noting, pertaining to, or suitable for the court of a sovereign.

adverb

in a courtly manner; politely or flatteringly.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of courtly

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; see origin at court, -ly

OTHER WORDS FROM courtly

court·li·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use courtly in a sentence

With an old Southern courtliness, he said goodbye to my wife and wandered into the crowd around the platform.
‘The Land of the Permanent Wave’ Is Bud Shrake’s Classic Take on ‘60s Texas|Edwin Shrake|February 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Sir John turned suddenly, and with the courtliness that was ever his he indulged in a rare exhibition of feeling.
With Edged Tools|Henry Seton Merriman
He rose from his chair and bowed to her with an Old-World courtliness.
The Pride of Palomar|Peter B. Kyne
Sir Walter Raleigh could not with more courtliness pilot his fair freight across the Avenue.
Turns about Town|Robert Cortes Holliday

"If you will allow me the pleasure," said Nelson, with the touch of courtliness that showed through his homespun ways.
Stories of a Western Town|Octave Thanet
There is something akin in Meaux Cathedral to the high soul and courtliness of Bossuet.
How France Built Her Cathedrals|Elizabeth Boyle O'Reilly

British Dictionary definitions for courtly

courtly

/ (ˈkɔːtlɪ) /

adjective -lier or -liest

of or suitable for a royal court

refined in manner

ingratiating

Derived forms of courtly

courtliness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

courtly

Origin of courtly

OTHER WORDS FROM courtly

Words related to courtly

How to use courtly in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for courtly

Derived forms of courtly