courtesy
courtesy Lexical Profile
courtesy Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The showing of politeness, respect, and consideration in one's attitude and behavior toward others.
"The customer service representative treated every caller with patience and courtesy."
A polite speech, remark, or action, especially one performed out of convention or good manners.
"The two diplomats exchanged the usual courtesies before beginning the formal negotiations."
Willingness or generosity in providing something, or custom and indulgence rather than strict legal right.
"Historical photographs of the town were provided by courtesy of the local museum."
• adjective
Supplied free of charge as a service or sign of goodwill to customers or guests.
"The hotel provides a courtesy shuttle to and from the international airport."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'courtesy' (politeness) with 'curtsy' (a traditional gesture of respect in which a woman or girl bends her knees and bows her head), though the two words share the same historical origin.
• Rhymes for courtesy
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Old French 'cortoisie', derived from 'cortois' (courteous, having manners suited to a royal court), ultimately from Latin 'cohors' (enclosed yard or retinue).