What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
courteous
Example
The waiter was courteous and attentive throughout our meal. [courteous: adjective]
Example
It's courteous to hold the door open for someone behind you. [courteous: adjective]
polite
Example
She always greets her neighbors with a polite smile. [polite: adjective]
Example
It's polite to say 'please' and 'thank you' when making requests. [polite: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Polite is more commonly used than courteous in everyday language. Polite is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while courteous is less common and typically used in more formal situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between courteous and polite?
Courteous is often associated with a more formal tone and is used in professional settings, while polite can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
