courteous
pronunciation
How to pronounce courteous in British English:
UK [ˈkɜːtiəs]
How to pronounce courteous in American English:
US [ˈkɜːrtiəs]
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- Adjective:
- exhibiting courtesy and politeness
- characterized by courtesy and gracious good manners
Word Origin
- courteous (adj.)
- mid-14c., earlier curteis (c. 1300), from Old French curteis (Modern French courtois) "having courtly bearing or manners," from curt "court" (see court (n.)) + -eis, from Latin -ensis. Rare before c. 1500. In feudal society, also denoting a man of good education (hence the name Curtis). Medieval courts were associated with good behavior and also beauty; compare German hübsch "beautiful," from Middle High German hübesch "beautiful," originally "courteous, well-bred," from Old Franconian hofesch, from hof "court." Related: Courteously (mid-14c., kurteis-liche).
Synonym
Antonym
Example
- 1. Whatever their shortcomings , the coalition ministers are courteous .
- 2. Once again , the procedure could not have been easier or more courteous .
- 3. Courteous driving is seldom rewarded .
- 4. So far , relations between the two sides are strained but courteous .
- 5. He is taciturn but soft-spoken and courteous .