ENGLISH
REFERENCE

courteous

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈkɝtiəs// UK //kˈɜːtiəs// cour·te·ous

adj. polite and respectful toward other people. You use this to describe someone who has very good manners.

adj. exhibiting politeness and respect in manner or behaviour. Often used to describe professional conduct or formal social interactions.


SIMPLE

The hotel staff were very courteous and helpful.

CONTEXTUAL

Even though the two politicians disagreed on every policy, they remained courteous to each other during the debate.

COMPLEX

A courteous reply to a hostile email can often de-escalate a professional conflict more effectively than a defensive or equally aggressive response.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English curteis, from Old French curteis (French courtois), from cort (“court”).

Usage

Typically used as a predicative adjective after 'be' or 'remain', or as an attributive adjective before a noun.

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