courtesy

noun

(uncountable) Polite behavior.

(countable) A polite gesture or remark, especially as opposed to an obligation or standard practice.

(uncountable) Consent or agreement in spite of fact; indulgence.

(uncountable) Willingness or generosity in providing something needed.

(law) The life interest that the surviving husband has in the real or heritable estate of his wife.

(dated) A curtsey.

verb

Alternative form of curtsey. [To make a curtsey.]

adjective

Given or done as a polite gesture.

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Roots

cohorscourt- · Latin · enclosure, court

Synonyms for courtesy

courteousnessn politenessn politessen graciousnessn courtlinessn kindnessn respectfulnessn comityn urbanityn deferencen cordialityn etiquetten affabilityn friendlinessn benignityn discourtesyn amiabilityn

Synonyms & related words for courtesy

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of courtesy — including courteousness, politeness, politesse, graciousness, courtliness, kindness. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to courtesy

Explore words related to courtesy — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include gentilesse, civilities, mannerliness, generosity, decency, decorum, courteous, bigheartedness. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for courtesy

Common synonyms for courtesy include courteousness, politeness, politesse, graciousness, courtliness, kindness, respectfulness, comity — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does courtesy come from?

The word courtesy breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root court-, from Latin cohors (“enclosure, court”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.