Courtesy Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary

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The Britannica Dictionary courtesy 3 ENTRIES FOUND:

• courtesy (noun)
• courtesy (adjective)
• courtesy title (noun)

1 courtesy /ˈkɚtəsi/ noun plural courtesies 1 courtesy /ˈkɚtəsi/ noun plural courtesies Britannica Dictionary definition of COURTESY 1 [noncount] : polite behavior that shows respect for other people

• They treated us with courtesy and kindness.
• He didn't even have the common courtesy [=he was not even as polite as people can usually be expected to be] to say goodbye when he left.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2 [count] a : something that you do because it is polite, kind, etc.

• She did it as a courtesy, not because she had to.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples b : something that you say to be polite especially when you meet someone

• Everyone knows each other here, so we won't bother with the usual courtesies.
• They shook hands and exchanged courtesies before beginning their discussion.

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courtesy of

◊ If you say that something has been provided through the courtesy of or (by) courtesy of a person, organization, business, etc., you are politely saying that they paid for it, gave it, or let it be used.

• The flowers were provided through the courtesy of a local florist.
• This program is brought to you courtesy of our sponsors. [=it has been paid for by our sponsors]

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples ◊ The word courtesy is sometimes used informally by itself in this way.

• Photo courtesy Helen Jones. [=Helen Jones is allowing the photograph to be used]

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples ◊ The phrase courtesy of is sometimes also used informally to indicate the cause of something.

• I have a bad cold now, courtesy of my brother. [=I have a bad cold that I caught from my brother]

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2 courtesy /ˈkɚtəsi/ adjective 2 courtesy /ˈkɚtəsi/ adjective Britannica Dictionary definition of COURTESY always used before a noun 1 : done in order to be polite

• They paid a courtesy call on the ambassador. [=they visited the ambassador because it was the polite thing to do]

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2 : provided for free

• Important visitors to the conference were provided with courtesy cars.
• He picked up the airport courtesy phone [=a telephone that customers can use to call the company that provides it] to call for a car.

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