Courtesy

B1 8+
Pronunciation Definitions Examples Grammatical Forms Origin and Evolution

Pronunciation: /ˈkɜːrtəsi/

Definitions of courtesy

noun polite behavior; a polite gesture or remark

Example Sentences

A1 Saying 'please' and 'thank you' is a common courtesy.

A2 It is considered a courtesy to hold the door open for someone behind you.

B1 As a courtesy, please let us know if you will be attending the event.

B2 The company sent a gift basket as a courtesy for being a loyal customer.

C1 The politician showed great courtesy by listening to the concerns of the citizens.

C2 The hotel staff provided exceptional courtesy to all guests during their stay.

adjective showing politeness and respect

Example Sentences

A1 She showed courtesy by holding the door open for the person behind her.

A2 The hotel staff always greeted guests with courtesy and a smile.

B1 It is common courtesy to say 'please' and 'thank you' in social interactions.

B2 The customer service representative handled the situation with courtesy and professionalism.

C1 The politician's speech was filled with courtesy towards his opponents.

C2 The CEO's courtesy towards all employees helped create a positive work environment.

Examples of courtesy in a Sentence

formal It is common courtesy to hold the door open for someone behind you.

informal Thanks for the courtesy of letting me go first in line.

slang He showed some courtesy by giving me a heads up about the meeting.

figurative Her kind words were a courtesy that brightened my day.

Grammatical Forms of courtesy

past tense

courtesied

plural

courtesies

comparative

more courteous

superlative

most courteous

present tense

courtesies

future tense

will courtesy

perfect tense

has courtesied

continuous tense

is being courteous

singular

courtesy

positive degree

courteous

infinitive

to courtesy

gerund

courtesying

participle

courtesied

Origin and Evolution of courtesy

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Old French
Story behind the word: The word 'courtesy' originated from the Old French word 'cortoisie' which came from the Latin word 'curtis', meaning courteous or courtly.
Evolution of the word: Originally, 'courtesy' referred to behaviors and attitudes associated with the courtly behavior of knights and nobility. Over time, it evolved to encompass polite and considerate behavior in general.