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Antonyms for courteous

Grammar : Adj
Spell : kur-tee-uhs
Phonetic Transcription : ˈkɜr ti əs


Definition of courteous

Origin :
  • mid-14c., earlier curteis (c.1300), from Old French curteis (Modern French courtois) "having courtly bearing or manners," from curt "court" (see court (n.)) + -eis, from Latin -ensis.
  • Rare before c.1500. In feudal society, also denoting a man of good education (hence the name Curtis). Medieval courts were associated with good behavior and also beauty; e.g. German hübsch "beautiful," from Middle High German hübesch "beautiful," originally "courteous, well-bred," from Old Franconian hofesch, from hof "court." Related: Courteously (mid-14c., kurteis-liche).
  • adj gentle, mannerly
Example sentences :
  • "It would be courteous to give a reason," he said presently.
  • Extract from : « Fair Margaret » by H. Rider Haggard
  • The letter was most courteous, most complimentary, most wooing.
  • Extract from : « Alice, or The Mysteries, Complete » by Edward Bulwer-Lytton
  • At this Narcisse smiled with indulgent and courteous disdain.
  • Extract from : « The Three Cities Trilogy, Complete » by Emile Zola
  • I thank the writer for his argument, and his courteous manner of presenting it.
  • Extract from : « Slavery Ordained of God » by Rev. Fred A. Ross, D.D.
  • What an advantage has an imposing or forward nature over a courteous one!
  • Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 3 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson
  • He has not proved a courteous antagonist, for he has not stripped to the contest.
  • Extract from : « The Forest » by Stewart Edward White
  • Not that I think so, Mr. Grey: I am sure your conduct to me has been most courteous.
  • Extract from : « Vivian Grey » by Earl of Beaconsfield, Benjamin Disraeli
  • They treated their wives with respect, and were courteous to strangers.
  • Extract from : « The Memoirs of Count Grammont, Complete » by Anthony Hamilton
  • It must be genius which takes that direction: it must be not courteous, but courtesy.
  • Extract from : « Essays, Second Series » by Ralph Waldo Emerson
  • Why, indeed, be courteous where so little courtesy was met with?
  • Extract from : « The Suitors of Yvonne » by Raphael Sabatini

Synonyms for courteous

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019