courteous
Definitions
Polite, respectful, and considerate in manner
彬彬有礼的，谦恭有礼的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcourt (royal court) + -eous (full of, having the nature of) = having the manners of someone at court. Behaving as a polished courtier should came to mean simply polite and respectful in everyday life.
Root court still carries 8 more wordsUsage Guide
Pronunciation/stress trap: COUR-te-ous, three syllables (ˈkɜːrtiəs), not 'cour-TEE-ous.' Register: warm but slightly formal — common in service and business contexts ('courteous staff'). The adverb is courteously.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The staff were friendly and courteous to every guest.
- 2.
It was courteous of you to send a thank-you note.
- 3.
Even when angry, she stayed calm and courteous.
Easily Confused
courteous vs polite — polite is the everyday default (a polite reply); courteous adds warmth and genuine consideration, suggesting graciousness rather than mere correctness. A reply can be coldly polite but not courteous.