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courtesy definition

cour·tesy (kʉrt′ə sē; for 4, kʉrt′sē)

noun pl. courtesies -·sies

  1. courteous behavior; gracious politeness
  2. a polite, helpful, or considerate act or remark
  3. an act or usage intended to honor or compliment a former legislator addressed as “Senator” by courtesy
  4. Obsolete a curtsy

Etymology: ME courteisie < OFr curteisie: see courteous

adjective

  1. of or having to do with courtesy or a courtesy
  2. provided free as a courtesy; complimentary
courtesy Idioms

courtesy of

without charge, as a gesture of goodwill

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

courtesy Synonyms

courtesy

n.

  1. Courteous conduct

    politeness, civility, courteousness, graciousness, good manners, kindness, courtliness, complaisance, affability, gentleness, consideration, thoughtfulness, sympathy, geniality, cordiality, friendliness, solicitude, amiability, tact, good behavior, mannerliness, politesse, amenities, etiquette, comity, culture, refinement, address, cultivation, chivalry, urbanity, gallantry, respect, attention, favor, deference, elegance of manners, polished manners, good breeding, gentle breeding, formality, gentility, suavity, blandness; see also behavior 1, ceremony 2, kindness 1.

  2. Courteous act

    attention, service, favor, polite gesture, act of politeness, mark of attention, gift, kindness, compassion, benevolence, accommodation, indulgence, generosity, charity; see also kindness 2.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

courtesy Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • deflexion: On 69 minutes Clyde took the lead for the first time in the match, courtesy of another cruel deflexion.

Converse of object

  • reproduce: All above pictures reproduced courtesy of Thompson & Morgan.

Adjective modifier

  • reproduced: Epping, High Street 1921 Reproduced courtesy of The Francis Frith Collection.

Modifies a noun

  • shuttle: Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in hotel courtesy shuttle.

Noun used with modifier

  • photo: Photo courtesy of Alan Robinson Jack proudly displays his winnings.
courtesy usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

courtesy quotes

There can be no defence like elaborate courtesy.

-Lucas, E(dward) V(errell)

Kindness and courage can repair time's faults, And serving him breeds patience and courtesy In us, light sojourners and passing subjects.

-Muir, Edwin

The greater man, the greater courtesy.

-Tennyson

courtesy quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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MLA Style

"courtesy." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/courtesy>

APA Style

courtesy. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/courtesy

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