courteous

adjgentle, mannerly

Synonyms for courteous

adj gentle, mannerly

Antonyms for courteous

amicable

adjective. friendly, especially regarding an agreement

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?

courteous

Synonyms for courteous

Antonyms for courteous

amicable

attentive

bland

ceremonious

chivalrous

courteous

Synonyms for courteous

Antonyms for courteous

More words related to courteous

affable

amicable

attentive

bland

ceremonious

chivalrous