courteous
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courteous
- /ˈkɜːti.əs/ UK
- /ˈkɝti.əs/ US
Where it comes from
From Middle English curteis, from Old French curteis (French courtois), from cort (“court”). By surface analysis, court + -eous.
Compare typologically Czech zdvořilý (<~ dvůr), German höflich (<~ Hof). Also note Russian прийти́сь ко двору́ (prijtísʹ ko dvorú).
Compare typologically civil, urbane. See pagan for the opposite.
adjective more courteous · most courteous
- Showing regard or thought for others; especially, displaying good manners or etiquette. a courteous gentleman a courteous gesture
