courteous
/ˈkɜː.ti.əs/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Showing good manners and respect for other people. A courteous person is polite, careful, and pleasant in social situations.
- He gave her a courteous smile.
- Please be courteous to the staff.
- The driver was courteous and helpful.
Adinary Nuance
Courteous is more polished than polite and warmer than respectful. Use it when you want to show careful good manners, especially in formal or public situations. It often sounds a little more refined than everyday words like nice or polite.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- lịch sự
- Spanish
- cortés
- Chinese
- 有礼貌的
- Japanese
- 礼儀正しい
- Korean
- 공손한
Etymology
Courteous came into English in the Middle Ages from Old French courtois, meaning 'courtly' or 'well-mannered.' It first described behaviour fit for a royal court, then everyday politeness.
Common phrases
courteous servicecourteous replycourteous behaviourcourteous manner
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is courteous more formal than polite?
- Yes. Courteous sounds a little more formal and polished than polite.
- Can I use courteous in business writing?
- Yes. It is a good word for business emails, service, and professional behaviour.
- What is the difference between courteous and respectful?
- Courteous means polite and well-mannered. Respectful means showing esteem or proper regard.