courtesy

Noun

1. (uncountable) Polite behavior.
2. (countable) A polite gesture or remark, especially as opposed to an obligation or standard practice.
3. (uncountable) Consent or agreement in spite of fact; indulgence.
4. (uncountable) Willingness or generosity in providing something needed.
5. (countable, uncountable) A curtsey.
6. (countable, uncountable) The life interest that the surviving husband has in the real or heritable estate of his wife.

Verb

Alternative form of curtsey.

Adj

1. (not-comparable) Given or done as a polite gesture.
2. (not-comparable) Supplied free of charge.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈkɜːtəsi/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: curteisie

In summary

From Middle English curteisie, curtesie, from Anglo-Norman curtesie, from Old French curteisie, cortoisie. Equivalent to courteous + -y (abstract noun suffix).

Synonyms

politeness

civility

manners

etiquette

good manners

respect

gallantry

attention

deference

favor

ceremony

graciousness

urbanity

propriety

honor

comity

complaisance

friendliness

kindness

present

mannerliness

sociability

attentiveness

decency

good breeding

good offices

goodwill

good will

honour

humaneness

humility

intimacy

ladyship

liturgy

loftiness

loyalty

manner

morals

niceness

nobility

nobleness

noblesse

obeisance

pleasantness

pleasantry

polite

reception

refinement

regard

respectfulness

Translations

cortesia

cortesía

politesse

courtoisie

Höflichkeit

cortesia

cortesia

urbanidad

Liebenswürdigkeit

hoffelijkheid

kurtuazja

Etikette

garbo

gentilezza

beleefdheid