First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
courteous
adjective cour·te·ous \ˈkər-tē-əs, British also ˈkȯr-\
: very polite in a way that shows respect
Full Definition of COURTEOUS
2
: marked by respect for and consideration of others
— cour·te·ous·ly adverb
— cour·te·ous·ness noun
See courteous defined for English-language learners
See courteous defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Examples of COURTEOUS
- There was no doubt that his stubbornly held and trenchantly expressed views—his trenchancy always tempered, however, by his gently courteous manner—contributed significantly to his unpopularity … —Simon Winchester, The Man Who Loved China, 2008
- … she has seen generations of boys come and go, some well groomed and courteous, others rough and uppity … —Julian Barnes, New Yorker, 5 Mar. 1990
- He joined us in the Yellow Room with … his son, a thoughtful, courteous, nice doctor … —Lady Bird Johnson, 27 May 1964, in A White House Diary, 1970
- [+]more
Origin of COURTEOUS
Middle English corteis, from Anglo-French curteis, from curt
Related to COURTEOUS
- Antonyms
- discourteous, ill-bred, ill-mannered, impolite, inconsiderate, mannerless, rude, thoughtless, uncivil, ungenteel, ungracious, unmannered, unmannerly
Synonym Discussion of COURTEOUS
civil, polite, courteous, gallant, chivalrous mean observant of the forms required by good breeding. civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness <owed the questioner a civil reply>. polite commonly implies polish of speech and manners and sometimes suggests an absence of cordiality <if you can't be pleasant, at least be polite>. courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness <clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers>. gallant and chivalrous imply courteous attentiveness especially to women. gallant suggests spirited and dashing behavior and ornate expressions of courtesy <a gallant suitor of the old school>. chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior <a chivalrous display of duty>.
COURTEOUS Defined for Kids
courteous
adjective cour·te·ous \ˈkər-tē-əs\
Definition of COURTEOUS for Kids
: showing respect and consideration for others : polite
— cour·te·ous·ly adverb
Learn More About COURTEOUS
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: courtesanPrevious Word in the Dictionary: courte–échelleAll Words Near: courteous
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up courteous? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).