What does "courtesy" mean?

1. (polite behaviour) polite and respectful behaviour towards other people. 2. (a polite gesture) a polite action or remark that you do because it is nice, not because you have to. 3. (free of charge) provided for free by a business, such as a hotel or a car dealer. 4. (legal property right) a husband's right to use his late wife's property during his lifetime.

How do you use "courtesy"?

In modern law, this is often replaced by statutory inheritance rules.

courtesy

n. · adj.

US //ˈkɝtəsi// UK //kˈɜːtəsi// cour·tesy

1 polite behaviour (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

polite and respectful behaviour towards other people.

polite, respectful, or considerate behaviour. Uncountable in this general sense.

Example

The staff treated every guest with great courtesy and respect.

Example

The ambassador was known for his unwavering courtesy, even when dealing with the most difficult and confrontational negotiators.
- rudeness
- discourtesy
2 a polite gesture (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a polite action or remark that you do because it is nice, not because you have to.

a specific polite gesture or remark, often performed as a matter of etiquette rather than legal or moral obligation.

Example

He called his boss as a courtesy to let her know he would be late.

Example

The company extended the invitation as a professional courtesy, though they were not required to include the rival firm in the discussions.
- favour
- gesture

Show 2 more sensesShow fewer

3 free of charge (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

provided for free by a business, such as a hotel or a car dealer.

provided free of charge as a service or favour, typically in a commercial or professional context.

Example

The hotel provides a courtesy bus to take guests to the airport.

Example

While his vehicle was being repaired, the dealership provided a courtesy car so he could continue his commute without interruption.
- complimentary
- free
- paid
4 legal property right (n.)
C2 Proficiency Formal Technical Law

a husband's right to use his late wife's property during his lifetime.

the life interest which a surviving husband has in the real estate of his deceased wife. Often spelled 'curtesy' in modern legal texts.

Example

The lawyer explained how the old laws of courtesy affected the inheritance.

Example

Under the traditional common law doctrine of courtesy, the widower maintained a life estate in the lands his wife had held in fee simple.

Usage

In modern law, this is often replaced by statutory inheritance rules.
- tenancy by the curtesy

Origin

From Middle English curteisie, curtesie, from Anglo-Norman curtesie, from Old French curteisie, cortoisie. Equivalent to courteous + -y (abstract noun suffix).