courteous

[ kur-tee-uhs ]

adjective

1. having or showing good manners; polite.

   Synonyms: courtly, gracious, mannerly

courteous

/ ˈkɜːtɪəs /

adjective

1. polite and considerate in manner

Derived Forms

• ˈcourteousness, noun
• ˈcourteously, adverb

Other Words From

• courte·ous·ly adverb
• courte·ous·ness noun
• over·courte·ous adjective
• over·courte·ous·ly adverb
• over·courte·ous·ness noun
• pseudo·courte·ous adjective
• pseudo·courte·ous·ly adverb
• quasi-courte·ous adjective
• quasi-courte·ous·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of courteous¹

1225–75; court + -eous; replacing Middle English co ( u ) rteis < Anglo-French; court, -ese

Word History and Origins

Origin of courteous¹

C13 corteis, literally: with courtly manners, from Old French; see court

Synonym Study

See civil.

Example Sentences

Harris’ supporters and detractors agree on one thing: The Secret Service personnel were courteous and professional — and residents felt safer with them around.

From Los Angeles Times

He’s bright, courteous and helpful — and extremely good at minding his own business.

From Los Angeles Times

Obituary: 'Engaging and courteous with a touch of steel'

From BBC

Eriksson was an engaging, courteous character with an uncanny ability to smile as he deflected away various personal scandals, never allowing his inquisitors to lay a glove on him.

From BBC

"He was as courteous then as he is today, and ever-ready to chat to locals from all walks of life," said Mr Barltrop.

From BBC

Related Words

• affable
• attentive
• civil
• civilized
• considerate
• courtly
• gracious
• polite
• respectful
• soft-spoken
• thoughtful
• well-behaved
• well-mannered
• well-spoken