English Explanatory Dictionary

courtesy

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Polite behavior.
  2. A polite gesture or remark, especially as opposed to an obligation or standard practice.
  3. Consent or agreement in spite of fact; indulgence.
  4. Willingness or generosity in providing something needed.
  5. A curtsey.
  6. The life interest that the surviving husband has in the real or heritable estate of his wife.
verb
  1. Alternative form of curtsey.
adj
  1. Given or done as a polite gesture.
  2. Supplied free of charge.

Pronunciation

/ˈkɜːtəsi/ /ˈkɝɾəsi/ en-us-courtesy.ogg

Word forms

courtesy courtesies courtesying courtesied

Etymology

From Middle English curteisie, curtesie, from Anglo-Norman curtesie, from Old French curteisie, cortoisie. Equivalent to courteous + -y (abstract noun suffix). By surface analysis, court + -esy.

Synonyms

complimentary free of charge gratis

Derived words

common courtesy courtesy book courtesy call courtesy card courtesy clerk courtesy copy courtesy flag courtesy flush courtesy lamp courtesy light courtesy name courtesy of courtesy of the trade courtesy title courtesy turn curtsey discourtesy extend the courtesy kill-courtesy overcourtesy senatorial courtesy strain courtesy uncourtesy
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