discourtesy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2 (Low frequency in spoken language, more common in formal/written registers)Formal, slightly elevated or literary. Seldom used in casual conversation.
Quick answer
What does “discourtesy” mean?
a lack of politeness or good manners.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a lack of politeness or good manners; rude or disrespectful behaviour.
A specific act or instance of such behaviour; a slight or affront.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is used and understood identically in both varieties. No significant lexical or syntactic differences.
Connotations
In both, it carries a formal, somewhat old-fashioned or deliberate tone. Using it can sound more severe or measured than simply saying 'rudeness'.
Frequency
Marginally more frequent in British English due to a historical preference for formal understatement (e.g., 'I must protest at this discourtesy'), but the difference is negligible.
Grammar
How to Use “discourtesy” in a Sentence
commit a discourtesyshow discourtesy towards someoneapologise for the discourtesybe guilty of discourtesyregard as a discourtesyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “discourtesy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He discourtesied the ambassador by turning his back.
- (Note: The verb 'to discourtesy' is archaic and virtually never used in modern English.)
American English
- (No modern usage. The adjective 'discourteous' or verb 'to be rude' is used instead.)
adverb
British English
- He bowed discourteously, a mockery of the ritual.
American English
- She waved him away discourteously.
adjective
British English
- She found his manner utterly discourteous.
- It was a discourteous interruption.
American English
- His discourteous reply ended the conversation.
- Leaving without a word is considered discourteous.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in formal complaints or correspondence: 'The failure to respond to our repeated enquiries was a serious professional discourtesy.'
Academic
Used in historical or sociological texts analysing social norms and interactions.
Everyday
Rare in casual speech. Might be used humorously or sarcastically for minor offences: 'Not offering me a biscuit was a grave discourtesy.'
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “discourtesy”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “discourtesy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “discourtesy”
- Misspelling: 'discurtesy' (incorrect).
- Using it in an informal context where 'rudeness' would be more natural.
- Confusing with 'discourse'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Discourtesy' is more formal and often implies a violation of a specific social code or expectation. 'Rudeness' is a broader, more general, and more commonly used term for offensive behaviour.
No, not in modern English. The archaic verb 'to discourtesy' is obsolete. Use 'to be discourteous to' or 'to be rude to' instead.
It can be both. As an uncountable noun: 'He is guilty of discourtesy.' As a countable noun: 'She committed several discourtesies.'
Yes, when referring to a specific act. For example: 'Leaving early without saying goodbye was a discourtesy.'
a lack of politeness or good manners.
Discourtesy is usually formal, slightly elevated or literary. seldom used in casual conversation. in register.
Discourtesy: in British English it is pronounced /dɪsˈkɜːtəsi/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪsˈkɜːrtəsi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms use 'discourtesy' as a key component.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DIS- (not) + COURTESY (polite behaviour). It's the 'dis' in 'discourteous' turned into a noun.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITENESS IS A GIFT / SOCIAL CAPITAL; discourtesy is therefore WITHHOLDING that gift or SPENDING social capital negatively.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'discourtesy' be LEAST appropriate?