courtesy
/ˈkɝɾəsi/
Word Rarity
Uncommon
Frequency: 4.13 in modern English
13
Scrabble Score
8
Letters
3
Syllables
8
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A polite gesture or remark, especially as opposed to an obligation or standard practice.
Countable
noun
The life interest that the surviving husband has in the real or heritable estate of his wife.
Countable; Uncountable
verb
Alternative form of curtsey.
Example Sentences
- "Please extend them the courtesy of your presence."
- "He was always known for his grace, kindness, and courtesy to people of every rank."
- "Rabbit doesn't want to tell him anything. The more he tells, the more he loses. He's safe inside his own skin, he doesn't want to come out. This guy's whole game is to get him out into the open where he can be manipulated. But the fierce convention of courtesy pries open Rabbit's lips."
- "I offered them a ride simply as a courtesy."
- "My lord, for your many courtesies I thank you."
- "They call this pond a lake by courtesy only."
Etymology
From Middle English curteisie, curtesie, from Anglo-Norman curtesie, from Old French curteisie, cortoisie. Equivalent to courteous + -y (abstract noun suffix). By surface analysis, court + -esy.
Origin
Word Breakdown
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˈkɝɾəsi/
- British English: /ˈkɜːtəsi/