courtesy Definition
- 1polite behavior that shows respect for other people
- 2a polite action or expression, especially one that is formal or conventional
Using courtesy: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "courtesy" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He showed great courtesy to his guests.
Example
As a courtesy, please let us know if you can't attend the meeting.
Example
The company car was provided as a courtesy to the visiting executive.
Example
She had the courtesy to apologize for her mistake.
courtesy Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for courtesy
Antonyms for courtesy
- discourtesy
- rudeness
Idioms Using courtesy
Example
Out of courtesy, I waited until he finished speaking before I left the room.
Example
He did the courtesy of introducing me to his boss.
to show someone a polite or respectful action or behavior in response to their own
Example
I returned the courtesy by thanking him for his help.
Phrases with courtesy
Example
It's just common courtesy to say 'please' and 'thank you.'
Example
I extended the courtesy of holding the door open for her.
Example
I took the courtesy of the company car to get to the airport.
Origins of courtesy
from Old French 'cortoisie', meaning 'courteousness'
Summary: courtesy in Brief
The term 'courtesy' [ˈkɜːtəsi] refers to polite behavior and actions that show respect for others. It can be a formal or conventional expression, such as 'As a courtesy, please let us know if you can't attend the meeting,' or a basic expectation of social interactions, as in 'It's just common courtesy to say 'please' and 'thank you.'' 'Courtesy' extends into idioms like 'out of courtesy,' which means as a polite gesture, and 'do the courtesy of something,' which means to do something as a polite gesture.
