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Meaning of courteous in English

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈkərdiəs/

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  1. Classifying Adjective

    courteous

    Definitions

    1. exhibiting courtesy and politeness

    Examples

    • « a nice gesture »

    Synonyms

    • polite
  2. Qualitative Adjective

    courteous

    Etymology

    Middle English (meaning ‘having manners fit for a royal court’): from Old French corteis, based on Latin cohors‘yard, retinue’ (see court). The change in the ending in the 16th century was due to association with words ending in -eous

    Definitions

    1. characterized by courtesy and gracious good manners

    Examples

    • « if a man be gracious and courteous to strangers it shows he is a citizen of the world-Francis Bacon »

    Synonyms

    • chivalrous
    • gallant
    • knightly

    Antonyms

    • discourteous

See also

  • respectful

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