Discourteously: meaning, definitions and examples
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discourteously
[dɪsˈkɜrtiəsli ]
Definition
in a rude or impolite manner
Behaving discourteously towards others can have negative consequences on relationships and personal reputation. It is important to treat others with respect and kindness.
Synonyms
disrespectfully, impolitely, rudely.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| discourteously |
Use when referring to an act or behavior lacking in courtesy or good manners. It often implies a breach of social expectations in a more formal or old-fashioned setting.
|
| rudely |
This word is often used in both formal and informal contexts to describe actions or behaviours that are blunt, harsh, or lacking in consideration for the feelings of others.
|
| impolitely |
Best used to describe casual or everyday social interactions that lack politeness or common courtesies.
|
| disrespectfully |
This is used to describe actions or speech that show a lack of respect for someone or something, typically authority figures or institutions. It conveys a stronger sense of personal affront.
|
Examples of usage
- She spoke to the customer discourteously, which resulted in a complaint.
- The driver was honking discourteously at the pedestrians crossing the street.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word combines 'discourteous,' meaning lacking courtesy, with the adverbial suffix '-ly.'
- The root 'courteous' comes from Middle English 'curteys,' influenced by Old French 'cortois,' which means 'of the court,' implying refined behavior.
- The prefix 'dis-' suggests a negative or reversing force, turning politeness into rudeness.
Cultural Impact
- In many cultures, discourteous behavior is often called out in social settings, which can lead to social ostracism.
- Historical etiquettes, such as those outlined in Emily Post's books, emphasize the importance of politeness, reflecting how discourteous actions are perceived.
- Contemporary discussions often link discourteous behavior with issues like bullying and social media interactions.
Psychology
- Studies show that discourteous behavior can lead to negative emotional responses in both the giver and receiver, causing stress.
- People who display discourteously are often less aware of social cues and the impact of their actions on others' feelings.
- Psychological research suggests that people are more likely to act discourteously under stress or time constraints, revealing underlying behavioral patterns.
Literature
- In classic literature, characters who act discourteously are often portrayed as villains, teaching moral lessons about respect.
- Shakespeare often wove themes of courtesy and discourtesy into his plays, showcasing their impact on relationships and society.
- Modern authors employ discourteous characters to contrast polite behavior, highlighting the importance of empathy and respect.
Pop Culture
- Television shows frequently depict discourteous behavior for comedic effect, emphasizing social faux pas.
- Online viral moments often feature instances of rudeness that provoke public backlash, reflecting collective social values regarding courtesy.
- Influencers and public figures who exhibit discourteous behavior may find themselves facing 'cancellation' from their communities.
Translations
Translations of the word "discourteously" in other languages:
🇵🇹 descortêsmente
🇮🇳 अशिष्टता से
🇩🇪 unhöflich
🇮🇩 dengan tidak sopan
🇺🇦 неввічливо
🇵🇱 nieuprzejmie
🇯🇵 無礼に (ぶれいに)
🇫🇷 impoliment
🇪🇸 descortésmente
🇹🇷 nezaketsizce
🇰🇷 무례하게 (murehage)
🇸🇦 بوقاحة
🇨🇿 nezdvořile
🇸🇰 nezdvorilo
🇨🇳 无礼地 (wúlǐ de)
🇸🇮 nesramno
🇮🇸 ókurteislega
🇰🇿 дөрекі түрде
🇬🇪 უხეშად
🇦🇿 kobudcasına
🇲🇽 descortésmente
Word Frequency Rank
At position #40,366, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.