Meaning & use

courteous

adjective·Everyday

Last updated

Polite, respectful, and considerate in manner toward others.

See it in a sentence

The hotel staff were courteous and helped us with our luggage.

She gave a courteous nod to the elderly man holding the door.

A note on using this word

Courteous emphasizes good manners shown in a particular interaction, while 'polite' is more general; it often implies a slightly formal kind of respect.

Words with a similar meaning

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Words with an opposite meaning

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