adjective

courteous

courteous, polite, respectful

He was a courteous and helpful young man.

He was a courteous and helpful young man.

A courteous reply is always appreciated.

A courteous reply is always appreciated.

((adjective)) polite and showing respect. He was a courteous and helpful young man.

((courteous to sb.)) to be polite to someone. You should be courteous to customers.

Synonyms: polite, well-mannered, gracious; Antonyms: rude, impolite, discourteous

From Old French 'curteis', meaning 'having courtly manners'. It's related to 'court' (the royal court).

Someone who is 'courteous' has the manners you would expect at a royal 'court'.

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