courtesy
B2Formal to neutral; common in written and spoken language, particularly in professional, academic, and polite social contexts.
Definition
Meaning
polite behavior, respect, or consideration shown to others; a gesture or act of politeness.
Can refer to something provided free of charge as a gesture of goodwill, or something done to show respect for a particular custom or tradition.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word often implies a standard of social behavior that is expected, but not necessarily required. It carries connotations of civility, graciousness, and old-fashioned good manners.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The phrase 'by courtesy of' is slightly more formal/common in British English. The concept is highly valued in descriptions of British social etiquette.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes respect and good breeding. May sometimes carry a slightly old-fashioned or formal tone.
Frequency
Common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
courtesy of [someone/something]as a courtesy to [someone]by courtesyVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Courtesy costs nothing.”
- “A courtesy call”
- “By courtesy of”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for professional politeness, e.g., 'The manager extended the courtesy of a full refund.'
Academic
Used in social sciences and history to discuss codes of conduct and etiquette.
Everyday
Used to comment on polite or impolite behavior, e.g., 'It's common courtesy to hold the door.'
Technical
Rare, but can appear in protocols (e.g., network 'courtesy flush') or in legal/formal procedures as a 'courtesy copy' (CC).
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- We received a courtesy reply from the embassy.
- The hotel offers a courtesy shuttle to the airport.
American English
- As a courtesy gesture, they waived the late fee.
- He made a courtesy appointment to introduce himself.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please show courtesy to other passengers.
- Thank you for your courtesy.
- It's common courtesy to say 'please' and 'thank you'.
- The photographs were published courtesy of the museum.
- The ambassador paid a courtesy visit to the new president.
- They extended the professional courtesy of an early reply.
- His letter was a masterclass in diplomatic courtesy, masking firm disagreement with impeccable politeness.
- The software license was provided courtesy of an educational grant.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of COURT, where formal manners were expected, plus -ESY like 'easy'. 'Courtesy' makes social interactions easy.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITENESS IS A GIFT / SOCIAL OIL. Courtesy is something offered (gift) to smooth interactions (oil).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not synonymous with just 'вежливость' in its extended meaning of 'a free service'. 'Courtesy bus' is not 'автобус вежливости' but 'бесплатный автобус'. Avoid direct translation of 'by courtesy of' as 'по вежливости'; use 'предоставлено', 'любезность'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'curtisy' or 'courtecy'. Incorrectly using 'courtesy' as a verb (e.g., 'He courtesied me'). The verb is 'to courtesy' (archaic curtsy) or simply 'to be courteous'. Using 'courtesy of' without specifying the provider.
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase correctly uses 'courtesy' to mean 'provided by'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, in modern English 'courtesy' is not used as a verb. The related action is 'to be courteous' or the archaic/formal 'to curtsy' (for a bow).
'Courtesy' often implies a specific act or gesture of politeness, sometimes one that is traditional or formal. 'Politeness' is the more general, abstract quality of being polite.
It means 'with the permission or kindness of; provided by'. It is used to acknowledge the source or provider of something.
Yes, as an adjective (e.g., 'courtesy bus'), it describes a service provided free of charge as a gesture of goodwill or convenience.