courtesy

Polite and respectful behavior toward other people.

• Please treat everyone with courtesy.
• He showed little courtesy to the guests.
• Returning someone’s greeting is a matter of common courtesy.

Similar words: politeness, respect

Opposites: rudeness, discourtesy

Common phrases: common courtesy, show courtesy, with courtesy

A small helpful act done freely to make someone’s experience nicer.

• I called her as a courtesy.
• They offered us a lift as a courtesy.
• These small courtesies made the visitors feel welcome.

Similar words: favor, kindness

Common phrases: as a courtesy, small courtesy, extend a courtesy, simple courtesy

The generous act of providing something, often without asking for payment.

• Lunch was courtesy of our host.
• The photographs appear courtesy of the museum.
• We enjoyed free transport courtesy of the hotel.

How to use it: courtesy of someone/something (Our tickets came courtesy of the local theatre.)

Similar words: generosity

Common phrases: courtesy of someone, courtesy of something

The polite use of a title that someone does not officially hold.

• He uses a courtesy title.
• The duke’s son is called a lord by courtesy.
• Her title is one of courtesy rather than official rank.

Common phrases: courtesy title, title by courtesy

Accepting a description or claim out of kindness, even though it is not really accurate.

• It is a garden by courtesy only.
• They called him an expert by courtesy.
• That tiny pond is a lake only by courtesy.

Similar words: indulgence

Common phrases: by courtesy only, by courtesy

Provided without payment, usually for guests or customers.

• The hotel offers a courtesy bus.
• We received two courtesy tickets for the concert.
• The garage lent me a courtesy car.

Similar words: complimentary, free

Common phrases: courtesy car, courtesy bus, courtesy tickets

Done to be polite or show respect.

• We made a courtesy visit.
• The ambassador paid a courtesy call on the mayor.
• She sent a courtesy reminder before the deadline.

Similar words: polite

Common phrases: courtesy visit, courtesy call, courtesy reminder