Courteous: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
courteous
[หkษหrtiษs ]
Definition
in social interactions
Polite, respectful, or considerate in manner; showing good manners and respect towards others.
Synonyms
civil, considerate, polite, respectful.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| courteous |
Use this word when describing someone who is very well-mannered and shows polished, respectful behavior, especially in social or professional settings.
|
| polite |
Use this word to describe someone who follows general social norms of good behavior, such as saying 'please' and 'thank you'. It indicates basic manners.
|
| respectful |
This word is ideal for describing someone who shows high regard and deference toward others, especially those who are older, in authority, or deserving of honor.
|
| considerate |
This word is best used to describe someone who is thoughtful and concerned about the feelings and needs of others, showing empathy and kindness.
|
| civil |
This word is appropriate when referring to someone who maintains basic decency and politeness, often in situations where there might be disagreement or tension.
|
Examples of usage
- He was always courteous to his colleagues, regardless of their position.
- She thanked the waiter in a courteous manner after he brought her order.
- The receptionist greeted the guests in a courteous way, making them feel welcome.
- Being courteous to others is a sign of good upbringing and kindness.
- It's important to be courteous to your neighbors and maintain good relationships.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Old French word 'courtois', which means 'polite or refined'.
- It has roots in the Latin word 'cohors', which relates to a courtyard, where guests were treated with respect.
- Originally, the term referred specifically to those who behaved well in the royal court.
Cultural Significance
- Many cultures place a high value on courteous behavior, often associating it with good upbringing and education.
- In Japanese culture, showing courtesy includes bowing, which signifies respect and acknowledgment.
- Countries may have specific etiquette rules about courtesy, such as how to greet or address others properly.
Pop Culture
- Courteous characters are often depicted in literature and film as heroes who win respect through their nice actions.
- Popular media, like 'Mr. Rogers' neighborhood, emphasizes courtesy as an important quality for building friendships.
- Movies often feature characters whose ultimate growth involves learning the importance of being considerate to others.
Psychology
- Studies suggest that showing courtesy can improve mental well-being for both the giver and the receiver.
- Being courteous can create a positive environment, reducing stress and conflict in social interactions.
- Courteous behavior is often linked to emotional intelligence, indicating a person's ability to empathize with others.
Literature
- Books often highlight courteous characters to teach moral lessons about kindness and respect.
- In classic literature, courteous behavior is depicted as an admirable quality in noble characters.
- Time-honored works, like those of Jane Austen, showcase the social importance of courtesy in relationships and society.
Translations
Translations of the word "courteous" in other languages:
๐ต๐น cortรชs
๐ฎ๐ณ เคตเคฟเคจเคฎเฅเคฐ
๐ฉ๐ช hรถflich
๐ฎ๐ฉ sopan
๐บ๐ฆ ะฒะฒััะปะธะฒะธะน
๐ต๐ฑ uprzejmy
๐ฏ๐ต ็คผๅๆญฃใใ (ใใใใใ ใใ)
๐ซ๐ท courtois
๐ช๐ธ cortรฉs
๐น๐ท nazik
๐ฐ๐ท ์์ ๋ฐ๋ฅธ (์์ ๋ฐ๋ฅธ)
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ูุฐุจ
๐จ๐ฟ zdvoลilรฝ
๐ธ๐ฐ zdvorilรฝ
๐จ๐ณ ๆ็คผ่ฒ็ (yวu lวmร o de)
๐ธ๐ฎ vljuden
๐ฎ๐ธ kurteis
๐ฐ๐ฟ ััะฟะฐะนั
๐ฌ๐ช แแ แแแแแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ nษzakษtli
๐ฒ๐ฝ cortรฉs