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HOW TO PRONOUNCE

courtesy

/ˈkɝɾəsi/

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American Pronunciation Guide · 1:05
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What does courtesy mean?

noun

  1. Polite behavior.
  2. A polite gesture or remark, especially as opposed to an obligation or standard practice.
  3. Consent or agreement in spite of fact; indulgence.
More meanings (6)

noun

  1. Willingness or generosity in providing something needed.
  2. The life interest that the surviving husband has in the real or heritable estate of his wife.
  3. (dated) A curtsey.

verb

  1. Alternative form of curtsey.

adjective

  1. Given or done as a polite gesture.
  2. Supplied free of charge.

Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0

IPA pronunciation

/ˈkɝɾəsi/

Wiktionary contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.

In the pages of books

See this word in context.

Landry had an affection for the house on Jane Street, where he had first learned what cleanliness and order and courtesy were.
Willa CatherThe Song of the LarkProject Gutenberg ebook #44
We spoke in low whispers, but, as that is only what courtesy demands in a public sleeping place, we roused no suspicion.
Edgar Rice BurroughsThe warlord of MarsProject Gutenberg ebook #68
More book examples (3)
Stepping out into the hall, he saw standing there a good-looking woman, in a white apron, who made a very pretty courtesy.
William Wells BrownClotelle; Or, The Colored Heroine, a tale of the Southern States; Or, The President's DaughterProject Gutenberg ebook #241
Nor should there be omitted a tribute to the increasing courtesy shown in late years by leading supporters of the older view.
Andrew Dickson WhiteHistory of the Warfare of Science with Theology in ChristendomProject Gutenberg ebook #505
They then insisted upon Mr. Johnson taking some of their refreshments, which of course he did, out of courtesy to the ladies.
William Craft; Ellen CraftRunning a Thousand Miles for Freedom Or, The Escape of William and Ellen Craft from SlaveryProject Gutenberg ebook #585