courteous

Definition

Showing regard or thought for others; especially, displaying good manners or etiquette.

Etymology

From Middle English curteis, from Old French curteis (French courtois), from cort (“court”).

Example Sentences

• "a courteous gentleman   a courteous gesture"
• "Nectar ran / In courteous fountains to all cups outreach'd; / And plunder'd vines, teeming exhaustless, pleach'd / New growth about each shell and pendent lyre; [...]"
• "His exhortations to his assistants to waste no time in getting on with the job, and to be tactful and courteous with those outside the railway service with whom they had to deal, are as apposite today as they were a century ago."

Related Words