courtesy

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˈkɜːtəsi/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˈkɝtəsi/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Hyphenation: cour‧te‧sy

Noun

Singular courtesy

Plural courtesies

1. (uncountable) Courtesy is beliefs and actions related to being polite and respectful.
   • Synonym: politeness
   • Antonyms: rudeness and discourtesy

   Our teachers treated us with courtesy and kindness.

2. (countable) A courtesy is something you do for someone to make things nicer for them, but for which you are not paid.
   • Synonym: kindess
   • Antonyms: imposition and bother

   She sent you the photo as a small courtesy.

3. (uncountable) If you receive something courtesy of someone else, they have provided it for free.

   All photos are courtesy of the city of Mississauga.

4. (usually before a noun) A courtesy title is one that people call you, even though it has no true basis.

   Eveyone called the prince the Duke of Eaves as a courtesy title.

Related words

• courteous