Definitions
- Referring to the legal right of a husband to inherit his wife's property upon her death. - Talking about a traditional gesture of respect made by a man towards a woman, such as bowing or tipping his hat. - Describing a formal dance in which partners bow or curtsy to each other.
- Referring to polite behavior and manners, such as saying please and thank you. - Talking about an act of kindness or consideration towards others. - Describing a free service or benefit provided as a gesture of goodwill.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words relate to showing respect or kindness towards others.
- 2Both words have historical roots in traditional customs and manners.
- 3Both words can be used in formal settings or situations.
- 4Both words involve a physical gesture or action.
What is the difference?
- 1Meaning: Curtesy refers to a specific legal or social custom, while courtesy has a broader meaning related to politeness and kindness.
- 2Gender: Curtesy is typically associated with men and women, while courtesy is gender-neutral.
- 3Usage: Curtesy is less common and more formal than courtesy, which is widely used in everyday language.
- 4Connotation: Curtesy can be associated with outdated or patriarchal customs, while courtesy is generally viewed positively as a desirable trait.
Remember this!
Curtesy and courtesy are two words that share a common root in traditional customs and manners. However, curtesy refers to a specific legal or social custom related to inheritance or gendered gestures of respect, while courtesy has a broader meaning related to politeness and kindness towards others. Courtesy is more commonly used and has a positive connotation, while curtesy is less common and can be associated with outdated customs.
