courtesy card: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to Semi-formal
Quick answer
What does “courtesy card” mean?
A physical or digital card provided by an organization as a gesture of goodwill or special privilege, granting access to benefits not available to the general public.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A physical or digital card provided by an organization as a gesture of goodwill or special privilege, granting access to benefits not available to the general public.
A card that symbolizes a courtesy, often providing temporary access, discounts, or membership privileges. It can also refer metaphorically to a free pass or special allowance granted out of politeness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term similarly. 'Courtesy card' is perhaps slightly more common in American English for specific contexts like library or parking access.
Connotations
In both varieties, it suggests a privilege granted by an institution, not something purchased.
Frequency
Low-to-medium frequency in both, typically used in specific institutional contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “courtesy card” in a Sentence
[Organization] issued/granted/offered him a courtesy card.She used/showed/presented her courtesy card to [gain benefit].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “courtesy card” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council will courtesy-card residents during the roadworks.
- The library courtesy-carded the visiting professor.
American English
- The hotel courtesy-carded their VIP guest.
- The gym courtesy-carded me for a free trial week.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
American English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- She was given a courtesy-card parking space.
- He has courtesy-card access to the lounge.
American English
- She used her courtesy-card privileges.
- It was a courtesy-card benefit from the bank.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used by hotels or clubs to grant temporary access to facilities for guests or potential clients.
Academic
Used by universities or libraries to grant borrowing or access privileges to visiting scholars or alumni.
Everyday
Less common; might be used for a temporary parking permit from a local council or a visitor's pass.
Technical
Not typically a technical term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “courtesy card”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “courtesy card”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “courtesy card”
- Using 'courtesy' as an adjective for the card incorrectly (e.g., 'courteous card'). Confusing it with a 'credit card' or 'business card'. Pluralizing as 'courtesies cards' instead of 'courtesy cards'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A courtesy card is usually a temporary or complimentary privilege granted as a favour, while a membership card typically indicates paid or formal, long-term affiliation.
Yes, informally, especially in institutional contexts (e.g., 'We'll courtesy-card you for a month'). It's more common in American English and considered business jargon.
They are very similar. A 'courtesy card' often sounds more formal or official, and may be physical. A 'guest pass' is often for a single event or shorter duration.
Often, yes. As it's usually a temporary privilege for a specific period, the issuing organisation may require its return upon expiry.
A physical or digital card provided by an organization as a gesture of goodwill or special privilege, granting access to benefits not available to the general public.
Courtesy card is usually formal to semi-formal in register.
Courtesy card: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɜː.tə.si ˌkɑːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɝː.t̬ə.si ˌkɑːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As a courtesy (e.g., 'We'll give you a card as a courtesy.')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Courtesy' as 'polite gift' + 'Card'. It's a polite gift in card form.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACCESS IS A KEY (the card is a key to privileges).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary implication of receiving a 'courtesy card'?