What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
discourteous
Example
It is discourteous to interrupt someone while they are speaking. [discourteous: adjective]
Example
The customer complained about the discourteous treatment she received from the salesperson. [discourteous: noun]
impolite
Example
It is impolite to talk with your mouth full. [impolite: adjective]
Example
She was criticized for her impolite behavior at the dinner party. [impolite: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Impolite is more commonly used than discourteous in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between discourteous and impolite?
Discourteous is more formal than impolite and may be more appropriate in professional or academic settings.
