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Definition of courtly

courtly

/ˈkɔːrt.li/
court · ly
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courtly Lexical Profile

courtly Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Polite, refined, and dignified in a formal or chivalrous way.

Example

"The elderly gentleman greeted the guests with a courtly bow."

2

Relating to, suitable for, or characteristic of a royal or noble court.

Example

"Medieval poets often wrote verses celebrating the ideals of courtly love."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• adverb

1

In a polite, refined, or chivalrous manner (now rare or archaic).

Example

"The knight bowed courtly before the assembled nobles."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Although ending in '-ly', 'courtly' is used primarily as an adjective; its adverbial use is archaic or rare, with phrases like 'in a courtly manner' preferred in modern English.

• Rhymes for courtly

• Nearby Words

courthouse
courtier
courtliness
courtly
courtroom
courtship
courtside

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'courtli', formed from 'court' (from Old French 'cort', ultimately from Latin 'cohors' meaning an enclosed yard or retinue) plus the suffix '-ly'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Courtly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/courtly
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