Uncourteously: meaning, definitions and examples
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uncourteously
[ ʌnˈkɔːrtəslɪ ]
behavior, social interaction
Uncourteously means in a manner that is rude, impolite, or lacking in courtesy. It describes actions or behaviors that are inconsiderate or disrespectful towards others.
Synonyms
disrespectfully, ill-mannered, impolitely, rude
Examples of usage
- He spoke uncourteously to his colleagues during the meeting.
- She cut him off uncourteously while he was speaking.
- The customer was treated uncourteously by the service staff.
- It is considered uncourteously to interrupt someone while they are talking.
Etymology
The word 'uncourteously' is formed by the prefix 'un-', which signifies negation, and the root 'courteous', which is derived from the Old French 'courtois', meaning courteous or polite. The Latin root is 'curtus', meaning shortened or cut off, which aligns with the idea of not being fully gracious or polite. The addition of the '-ly' suffix converts the adjective 'uncourteous' into an adverb, indicating how an action is performed. The concept of courtesy has evolved through social customs over the centuries, often reflecting the norms of respectful interaction in various cultures. Usage of 'uncourteously' emerged primarily in English literature during the 19th century when social etiquette became a prominent subject of discussion. The term encapsulates societal expectations of politeness and the consequences of failing to uphold them.