courtesynoun [ U or C ]
uk/ˈkɜː.tə.si/us/ˈkɝː.t̬ə.si/B2 polite behaviour, or a polite action or remark:
You might get along better with your parents if you showed them some courtesy.
[ + to infinitive ] He could at least have had the courtesy to say sorry.
The president welcomed her visitors with the usual courtesies.
(by) courtesy of
by permission of:
Jessie J appears courtesy of Universal Records.
because of:
He got his black eye courtesy of a bloke he insulted at the bar last night.
More examples
- He replied sharply, and without his wonted courtesy.
- At least do him the courtesy of listening to what he has to say.
- He did have the courtesy to thank her for her efforts.
- Always hold the door for the person behind you - it's just common courtesy.
- She treated them with the greatest courtesy.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Polite and respectful
- chivalrous
- chivalry
- civil
- civility
- civilized
- civilly
- couth
- deferential
- euphemism
- gallant
- gentlemanly
- grace
- gracious
- polite
- politely
- politically correct
- refined
- respect
- respectful
- respectfully
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Allowing and permitting
Linguistics: connecting words which introduce a cause or reason