# courtesy

/ˈkɝtəsi/ (US) · /kˈɜːtəsi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/courtesy
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. polite behaviour

noun · CEFR B2

polite and respectful behaviour towards other people.

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

- The staff treated every guest with great courtesy and respect.
- The ambassador was known for his unwavering courtesy, even when dealing with the most difficult and confrontational negotiators.

### 2. a polite gesture

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- He called his boss as a courtesy to let her know he would be late.
- The company extended the invitation as a professional courtesy, though they were not required to include the rival firm in the discussions.

### 3. free of charge

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

- The hotel provides a courtesy bus to take guests to the airport.
- While his vehicle was being repaired, the dealership provided a courtesy car so he could continue his commute without interruption.

### 4. legal property right

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

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

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

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

## Examples

- He treated everyone with great courtesy and respect.
- The hotel provides a shuttle bus to the airport as a courtesy to its guests.
- While the two political rivals disagreed on every policy point, they maintained a level of professional courtesy that allowed the committee to function effectively.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.