courtesy

[ˈkɜːtəsi]

courtesy Definition

• 1. polite behavior that shows respect for other people
• 2. a 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

• politeness
• respect
• consideration
• civility
• decorum

Antonyms for courtesy

• discourtesy
• rudeness

Idioms Using courtesy

• out of courtesy

  as a polite gesture or act of respect

  Example

  Out of courtesy, I waited until he finished speaking before I left the room.

• do the courtesy of something

  to do something as a polite gesture or act of respect

  Example

  He did the courtesy of introducing me to his boss.

• return the courtesy

  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

• common courtesy

  basic politeness and respect that are expected in social interactions

  Example

  It's just common courtesy to say 'please' and 'thank you.'

• extend the courtesy

  to show someone a polite or respectful action or behavior

  Example

  I extended the courtesy of holding the door open for her.

• take the courtesy

  to accept something offered as a polite gesture

  Example

  I took the courtesy of the company car to get to the airport.

Origins of courtesy

from Old French 'cortoisie', meaning 'courteousness'

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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.