courteous

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   characterized by courtesy and gracious good manners

   A person that is gracious and courteous to strangers is a citizen of the world.

2. 2
   adj

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

   A courteous gentleman   a courteous gesture.

3. 3
   adj

   exhibiting courtesy and politeness

Simplified etymology

Courteous came into Middle English from Old French corteis, based on cort, meaning court. Its early meaning was having manners suitable for a royal court, reflecting the association of medieval courts with good manners.

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.

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External links

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