Synonyms for courteous
adj gentle, mannerlyAntonyms for courteous
- discourteous
- disrespectful
- heedless
- impolite
- inattentive
- inconsiderate
- mean
- rude
- thoughtless
- uncivil
- unkind
- unmannerly
- unmindful
- unrefined
- bad-mannered
- uncourteous
amicable
bland
ceremonious
Word Origin & History
mid-14c., earlier curteis (c.1300), from Old French curteis (Modern French courtois) "having courtly bearing or manners," from curt "court" (see court (n.)) + -eis, from Latin -ensis.
Rare before c.1500. In feudal society, also denoting a man of good education (hence the name Curtis). Medieval courts were associated with good behavior and also beauty; e.g. German hübsch "beautiful," from Middle High German hübesch "beautiful," originally "courteous, well-bred," from Old Franconian hofesch, from hof "court." Related: Courteously (mid-14c., kurteis-liche).
Example Sentences forcourteous
"It would be courteous to give a reason," he said presently.
The letter was most courteous, most complimentary, most wooing.
At this Narcisse smiled with indulgent and courteous disdain.
I thank the writer for his argument, and his courteous manner of presenting it.
What an advantage has an imposing or forward nature over a courteous one!
He has not proved a courteous antagonist, for he has not stripped to the contest.
Not that I think so, Mr. Grey: I am sure your conduct to me has been most courteous.
They treated their wives with respect, and were courteous to strangers.
It must be genius which takes that direction: it must be not courteous, but courtesy.
Why, indeed, be courteous where so little courtesy was met with?