courteous
Americanadjective
adjective
Related Words
See civil.
Other Word Forms
- courteously adverb
- courteousness noun
- overcourteous adjective
- overcourteously adverb
- overcourteousness noun
- pseudocourteous adjective
- pseudocourteously adverb
- quasi-courteous adjective
- quasi-courteously adverb
Etymology
Origin of courteous
1225–75; court + -eous; replacing Middle English co ( u ) rteis < Anglo-French; court, -ese
Explanation
If you are courteous, your good manners show friendliness and concern for others, like your courteous habit of holding the door for people entering a building with you. The adjective courteous comes from the Old French word curteis, which means “having courtly bearing or manners.” Courtly described the court — nobles who hung around the castle, the entourage of kings and queens. Their refined manners, not to mention their wealth and power, set them apart from the masses. So courteous behavior is a reminder of the value of good manners.
Vocabulary lists containing courteous
The Diary of Anne Frank
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Be Nice!
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Unless perhaps it’s the most courteous thing you can do for fellow players?
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026
Remember to be a courteous visitor when viewing wildflowers.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026
"It's a perfect, simple, sober homage" to not only a talented artist but a "courteous, splendidly refined" person, said Giulia Carraro, 75, a former personal assistant who moved in his circle.
From Barron's • Jan. 21, 2026
Rodríguez, meanwhile, described the call as "productive and courteous" and characterised by "mutual respect."
From BBC • Jan. 15, 2026
She was speaking now to the restaurant attendant in a clear, courteous but completely autocratic tone.
From "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
