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Discourtesy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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discourtesy

[dɪsˈkɜːtɪsi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

lack of politeness

Discourtesy refers to the behavior that is rude, disrespectful, or impolite. It involves actions or words that show a lack of consideration for others' feelings or rights. Discourtesy can manifest in various forms, such as ignoring someone, interrupting them, or speaking in a condescending tone.

Synonyms

impoliteness, incivility, rudeness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
discourtesy

Used in formal or professional settings to describe behavior that lacks respect or civility; often considered a milder term than 'rudeness'.

  • Your discourtesy during the meeting was noticed by everyone.
  • The hotel's discourtesy towards its guests led to many complaints.
rudeness

Refers to behavior that is intentionally disrespectful or offensive, often with a stronger negative connotation.

  • His rudeness to the waiter was inexcusable.
  • Rudeness should not be tolerated in any situation.
impoliteness

Describes a general lack of manners or etiquette, usually in social settings or simple interactions.

  • His impoliteness at the dinner party was shocking to everyone.
  • Impoliteness can make it difficult to form new friendships.
incivility

Often used in formal contexts to describe behavior that is rude or disrespectful, with an implication of a breakdown in social norms.

  • The incivility on social media has become a major concern.
  • Incivility in the workplace can lead to a toxic environment.

Examples of usage

  • Her discourtesy towards the waiter was evident when she snapped at him for no reason.
  • The teacher reprimanded the student for his discourtesy towards his classmates.
Context #2 | Noun

lack of manners

Discourtesy can also be seen as a lack of manners or etiquette. It involves behaviors that go against social norms or expectations of polite conduct. People often perceive discourtesy as a sign of disrespect or a disregard for common courtesy.

Synonyms

brusqueness, impoliteness, rudeness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
discourtesy

Used to describe actions or behavior that are not polite and show a lack of respect. This term sounds relatively formal and is often used in professional or serious settings.

  • His discourtesy towards the guests was noted by everyone.
  • The letter was returned with discourteous comments.
rudeness

Typically used to describe offensive or bad behavior that shows a lack of respect for others. This word often has a stronger negative connotation than 'impoliteness'.

  • His rudeness at the dinner table was shocking.
  • She couldn't excuse his rudeness any longer.
impoliteness

A general word for behavior that shows a lack of good manners or respect for others. This term is fairly neutral and can be used in a variety of settings.

  • Impoliteness was not tolerated in their household.
  • Her impoliteness during meetings annoyed her colleagues.
brusqueness

Refers to being abrupt or blunt in manner or speech, often to the point of seeming rude. This word often implies a lack of sensitivity.

  • Her brusqueness surprised the new employees.
  • He answered the question with brusqueness, cutting the conversation short.

Examples of usage

  • His discourtesy at the dinner table, such as talking with his mouth full, was frowned upon by the host.
  • The email was filled with discourtesy, as it lacked a simple 'please' or 'thank you'.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures emphasize courtesy as a foundational aspect of social interactions, often enshrining it in laws or customs.
  • In some societies, discourtesy can lead to significant social consequences or even ostracism.
  • The rise of digital communication has created new forms of discourtesy, like neglecting to reply to messages or ignoring online etiquette.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that being treated with discourtesy can negatively affect an individual's mental health, leading to increased stress.
  • Social scientists study behaviors of discourtesy to better understand conflict resolution and communication patterns.
  • Patterns of discourteous behavior may stem from upbringing, environment, or even stress, highlighting the complexity of human interactions.

Literature

  • Discourtesy often serves as a theme in literature, where it represents the moral failings of characters, leading to conflict.
  • Famous literary works explore how discourtesy impacts relationships, emphasizing the need for kindness and respect.
  • Classic tales often contrast courtesy against discourtesy, illustrating its role in character development and plot progression.

Pop Culture

  • Television programs and films frequently depict discourteous characters to amplify humor or create tension within the storyline.
  • Online influencers often discuss the importance of kindness, highlighting the rise of discourtesy in social media interactions.
  • Comedy sketches often play on miscommunication, where one character's discourtesy leads to comedic situations or misunderstandings.

Origin of 'discourtesy'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'discourtesy' comes from the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'not' and 'courtesy' which refers to polite behavior.
  • It was first recorded in English in the late 15th century, reflecting societal expectations for polite interactions.
  • Similar words, such as 'discourteous,' share its roots, illustrating the longstanding importance of manners in communication.

The word 'discourtesy' originated from the Old French word 'discortoisie', which meant 'lack of courtesy'. It has been in use since the 14th century to describe behaviors that are impolite or disrespectful. Over time, 'discourtesy' has become synonymous with rudeness and a lack of manners in social interactions.

See also: courteous, courtesan.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,127 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.