courtesy
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.polite and respectful behaviour towards other people.
n.polite, respectful, or considerate behaviour. Uncountable in this general sense.
Simple“The staff treated every guest with great courtesy and respect.”
In context“The ambassador was known for his unwavering courtesy, even when dealing with the most difficult and confrontational negotiators.”
SynonymsAntonymsrudenessdiscourtesy - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a polite action or remark that you do because it is nice, not because you have to.
n.a specific polite gesture or remark, often performed as a matter of etiquette rather than legal or moral obligation.
Simple“He called his boss as a courtesy to let her know he would be late.”
In context“The company extended the invitation as a professional courtesy, though they were not required to include the rival firm in the discussions.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.provided for free by a business, such as a hotel or a car dealer.
adj.provided free of charge as a service or favour, typically in a commercial or professional context.
Simple“The hotel provides a courtesy bus to take guests to the airport.”
In context“While his vehicle was being repaired, the dealership provided a courtesy car so he could continue his commute without interruption.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
n.a husband's right to use his late wife's property during his lifetime.
n.the life interest which a surviving husband has in the real estate of his deceased wife. Often spelled 'curtesy' in modern legal texts.
Simple“The lawyer explained how the old laws of courtesy affected the inheritance.”
In context“Under the traditional common law doctrine of courtesy, the widower maintained a life estate in the lands his wife had held in fee simple.”
UsageIn modern law, this is often replaced by statutory inheritance rules.
Synonymstenancy by the curtesy
“If it doesn't, then it won't." This story is republished courtesy of MIT News ( web.mit.edu/newsoffice/ ), a popular site that covers news about MIT research, innovation and teaching.”
From Middle English curteisie, curtesie, from Anglo-Norman curtesie, from Old French curteisie, cortoisie. Equivalent to courteous + -y (abstract noun suffix).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.