courtesy

[kur-tuh-see, kurt-see]

noun

plural

courtesies 

1. excellence of manners or social conduct; polite behavior.

   Her unfailing courtesy made her easy to work with.

   Synonyms: urbanity, civility, courteousness

2. a courteous, respectful, or considerate act or expression.

3. indulgence, consent, or acquiescence.

   He is a “colonel” by courtesy rather than by right.

4. favor, help, or generosity.

   The costumes for the play were by courtesy of the local department store.

5. a curtsy.

adjective

1. done or performed as a matter of politeness or protocol.

   The council member paid a courtesy call on the mayor.

2. offered or provided free by the management.

   While waiting to board the airplane, we were provided with courtesy coffee.

courtesy

/ ˈkɜːtɪsɪ /

noun

1. politeness; good manners

2. a courteous gesture or remark

3. favour or consent (esp in the phrase by courtesy of )

4. common consent as opposed to right (esp in the phrase by courtesy ) See also courtesy title

5. an archaic spelling of curtsy

Other Word Forms

• overcourtesy noun
• uncourtesy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of courtesy¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; from Middle English curteisie, from Anglo-French, from Old French; equivalent to courteous ( def. ) + -y ³ ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of courtesy¹

C13 curteisie, from Old French, from corteis _courteous

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. courtesy of, from or given by.

   This tip comes courtesy of our inside source.

Example Sentences

The announcement came Wednesday courtesy of “Good Morning America,” the ABC morning show in Disney’s package of broadcast-related companies.

From Los Angeles Times

He stayed respectful to Palace in the face of Liverpool's interest when others haven't shown their employers the same sort of courtesy this summer.

From BBC

Could that have been a courtesy extended to a VIP customer?

From Los Angeles Times

Two-time defending champions Invincibles join Superchargers and Trent Rockets on 12 points at the top of the table but go top courtesy of their impressive net run-rate.

From BBC

The movie opens with a bird’s-eye view of Los Angeles’ picturesque skylines, reservoirs and grassy hillsides before the bold-faced title appears, accompanied by ominous music courtesy of legendary composer John Williams.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• civility 
• deference 
• generosity 
• kindness 
• reverence 
• sympathy