courtesy
//ˈkɜːtəsi//
Forms
- Plural
- courtesies
- present (v1)
- courtesy
- past (v2)
- courtesied
- past participle (v3)
- courtesied
- present participle
- courtesying
- 3rd person singular
- courtesies
Definitions
1.Polite behavior.
- Please extend them the courtesy of your presence.
- He was always known for his grace, kindness, and courtesy to people of every rank.
2.A polite gesture or remark, especially as opposed to an obligation or standard practice.
- I offered them a ride simply as a courtesy.
- My lord, for your many courtesies I thank you.
3.Consent or agreement in spite of fact; indulgence.
- They call this pond a lake by courtesy only.
4.Willingness or generosity in providing something needed.
- They received free advertising through the courtesy of the local newspaper.
1.Alternative form of curtsey.
1.Given or done as a polite gesture.
- We paid a courtesy visit to the new neighbors.
2.Supplied free of charge.
- The event planners offered courtesy tickets for the reporters.
Frequency
Overall
Rare· #4278
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Rare
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Related words
Word family
Etymology
From Middle English curteisie, curtesie, from Anglo-Norman curtesie, from Old French curteisie, cortoisie.
Equivalent to courteous + -y (abstract noun suffix).
By surface analysis, court + -esy.