courtesy

Definitions

Built on court (a royal court): courtesy is literally the manner expected of people at court. The deference and polish of palace life narrowed into a general word for polite, considerate behavior. Hence 'common courtesy' and the phrase 'courtesy of,' meaning provided as a favor or thanks to someone.

Common Collocations

• 1.common courtesy基本礼貌
• 2.courtesy of承蒙……提供
• 3.professional courtesy职业礼节
• 4.courtesy call礼节性拜访

Example Sentences

• 1.

  He had the courtesy to apologize for being late.

• 2.

  She thanked them for their warmth and courtesy.

• 3.

  The photos are reproduced courtesy of the national museum.

Easily Confused

courtesy vs politeness — politeness is the broad quality of good manners; courtesy stresses thoughtful, considerate acts done for others, and uniquely appears in 'courtesy of' (= given free by). You can show someone a courtesy; you rarely 'show a politeness.'

Synonym Comparison