Courtly: meaning, definitions and examples
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courtly
[ ˈkɔːrtli ]
social behavior
Courtly describes a manner that is marked by refinement, dignity, and grace, often associated with the behavior of nobility or royalty. It is characterized by an elegant, formal style of interaction that adheres to the etiquette and customs of a royal court. This term also evokes an old-world charm, where manners and chivalry play a significant role in social engagements. The concept of courtly love, which emerged in medieval literature, perfectly encapsulates the romantic idealism and noble aspirations associated with courtly behavior.
Synonyms
chivalrous, elegant, graceful, noble, refined.
Examples of usage
- He greeted her with a courtly bow.
- Her courtly manners impressed the dignitaries.
- They engaged in courtly conversation at the gala.
- The novel depicted a courtly relationship between the knight and the princess.
Translations
Translations of the word "courtly" in other languages:
🇵🇹 cortês
- galante
- nobre
🇮🇳 राजसी
- शिष्ट
- दरबारिया
🇩🇪 höfisch
🇮🇩 sopan
- lembut
- istana
🇺🇦 вишуканий
- придворний
- шляхетний
🇵🇱 dworski
- kurtuazyjny
- szlachetny
🇯🇵 宮廷の
- 礼儀正しい
- 優雅な
🇫🇷 courtois
- galant
- noble
🇪🇸 cortés
- galante
- noble
🇹🇷 nazik
- soylu
- saraylı
🇰🇷 정중한
- 귀족의
- 궁중의
🇸🇦 أدبي
- نبيل
- ملكي
🇨🇿 dvorský
- urozený
- galantní
🇸🇰 dvorský
- galantný
- urodzený
🇨🇳 文雅的
- 宫廷的
- 高贵的
🇸🇮 dvorni
- plemenit
- vljuden
🇮🇸 hóflegur
- vöndur
- aðalsmaður
🇰🇿 сыйластық
- асыл
- сарайлы
🇬🇪 არისტოკრატული
- თავაზიანი
- სასახლე
🇦🇿 nazik
- saraylı
- aristokratik
🇲🇽 cortés
- galante
- noble
Etymology
The term 'courtly' originates from the Middle English word 'courtli', which itself is derived from the Old French 'court', meaning 'court' or 'royal court'. The word 'court' in this context refers to the royal court, a place where nobility and their attendants would gather, socialize, and engage in matters of state. The concept of courtly behavior became particularly prominent during the medieval period, especially in the context of courtly love, where romantic relationships were often idealized and characterized by a high degree of politeness and restraint. This period saw the establishment of courtly codes of conduct that dictated how nobility should interact with one another, emphasizing virtues such as loyalty, honor, and respect. Over time, 'courtly' has come to embody not just the behaviors expected in a royal court, but also the broader themes of civility, formality, and refined conduct in social interactions.