- The definition of courteous is a polite and considerate person.
An example of courteous is someone letting a pregnant woman go ahead of them in line for the restroom.
courteous definition by Webster's New World
adjective
polite and gracious; considerate toward others; well-mannered
Origin: Middle English courteis ; from Old French corteis ; from court: see court and amp; -eous
Related Forms:
- courteously adverb
- courteousness noun
courteous definition by American Heritage Dictionary
adjective
Characterized by gracious consideration toward others. See Synonyms at polite.
Origin: Middle English corteis, courtly, from Old French, from cort, court; see court.
Related Forms:
- courˈte·ous·ly adverb
- courˈte·ous·ness noun
