courtesy
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English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
From Middle English curteisie, curtesie, from Anglo-Norman curtesie, from Old French curteisie, cortoisie.[1][2] Equivalent to courteous + -y (abstract noun suffix).
Pronunciation[edit]
- (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈkɜːtəsi/
- (General American) IPA(key): /ˈkɝtəsi/
Audio (US) (file) - Hyphenation: cour‧te‧sy
Noun[edit]
courtesy (countable and uncountable, plural courtesies)
- (uncountable) Polite behavior.
- Please extend them the courtesy of your presence.
- He was always known for his grace, kindness, and courtesy to people of every rank.
- (countable) A polite gesture or remark, especially as opposed to an obligation or standard practice.
- I offered them a ride simply as a courtesy.
- 1598–1599 (first performance), William Shakespeare, “Much Adoe about Nothing”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene i]:
- My lord, for your many courtesies I thank you.
- (uncountable) Consent or agreement in spite of fact; indulgence.
- They call this pond a lake by courtesy only.
- (uncountable) Willingness or generosity in providing something needed.
- They received free advertising through the courtesy of the local newspaper.
- [on a label, caption, etc.] Courtesy the Smith Foundation: [e.g.] use of this image was allowed through the courtesy of the Smith Foundation.
- A curtsey.
- 1760, Oliver Goldsmith, The Citizen of the World
- The lady drops a courtesy in token of obedience, and the ceremony proceeds as usual.
- 1868, Louisa M[ay] Alcott, “Amy’s Will”, in Little Women: Or, Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy, (please specify |part=1 or 2), Boston, Mass.: Roberts Brothers, →OCLC, page 284:
- [I]t was her favorite amusement to array herself in the faded brocades, and parade up and down before the long mirror, making stately courtesies, and sweeping her train about, with a rustle which delighted her ears.
- 1760, Oliver Goldsmith, The Citizen of the World
- (law) The life interest that the surviving husband has in the real or heritable estate of his wife.
Derived terms[edit]
Translations[edit]
polite behavior
|
polite gesture or remark
consent or agreement in spite of fact; indulgence
|
willingness or generosity in providing something needed
|
Verb[edit]
courtesy (third-person singular simple present courtesies, present participle courtesying, simple past and past participle courtesied)
- Alternative form of curtsey
Adjective[edit]
courtesy (not comparable) (used only before the noun)
- Given or done as a polite gesture.
- We paid a courtesy visit to the new neighbors.
- Supplied free of charge.
- Synonyms: complimentary, free of charge, gratis
- The event planners offered courtesy tickets for the reporters.
Translations[edit]
given or done as a polite gesture
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free of charge
|
References[edit]
- ^ The concise dictionary of English etymology, p. 97
- ^ Douglas Harper (2001–2023), “courtesy”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.
Anagrams[edit]
Categories:
- English terms inherited from Middle English
- English terms derived from Middle English
- English terms derived from Anglo-Norman
- English terms derived from Old French
- English terms suffixed with -y
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