courtesy

courtesy — noun

1. ways of acting or speaking that are considerate towards others; a specific kind

1.nounB1
Definition

ways of acting or speaking that are considerate towards others; a specific kind gesture or polite word used in social settings

Example

Sayaka held the door open for the elderly woman as a simple courtesy.

countable noun: a simple courtesy

The hotel staff showed every courtesy to the guests during their stay.

uncountable: show courtesy to someone

Common collocations
  • common courtesy
  • professional courtesy
  • out of courtesy
  • show/extend/offer courtesy
  • courtesy towards
Synonyms
  • politeness

    more general; less formal than 'courtesy'

  • civility

    formal; emphasises basic respectful behaviour in public

  • manners

    plural only; refers to learned social behaviour patterns

  • etiquette

    uncountable; refers to the formal rules of polite behaviour in specific settings

Antonyms

Usage Note

Uncountable when referring to polite behaviour in general; countable when referring to a specific polite action or remark. The phrase 'common courtesy' + to-infinitive is a frequent pattern.

Common Mistakes

He showed me a courtesy.' (when meaning general politeness)
He showed me courtesy.
'courtesy' as an uncountable noun describing general behaviour does not take 'a'.
She did it for courtesy.
She did it out of courtesy.
The fixed phrase is 'out of courtesy', not 'for courtesy'.

2. used to say that a person or organization has given permission for something to

2.nounB2
Definition

used to say that a person or organization has given permission for something to be shown, used, or published, usually as a favour

Example

The wedding photos were shared courtesy of a local photography studio.

courtesy of [organisation] = with permission from

The museum displayed the ancient scrolls by courtesy of the National Library.

by courtesy of = formal permission

Common collocations
  • courtesy of
  • by courtesy of
Synonyms

Grammar Patterns

courtesy of [person/organisation]

Usage Note

This sense nearly always appears in the fixed phrases 'courtesy of' or 'by courtesy of'. The person or organisation named after 'of' is the one that gave permission. Common in acknowledgments, photo credits, and formal notices.

3. used to indicate that an event or situation is caused by something else, often a

3.nounB2
Definition

used to indicate that an event or situation is caused by something else, often a problem or inconvenience

Example

The forest fire spread quickly courtesy of the strong winds.

courtesy of [cause] = because of, often for negative effects

The evening train was cancelled courtesy of a power failure in the city.

Common collocations
  • courtesy of
Synonyms
  • because of

    neutral; not restricted to this phrase structure

  • thanks to

    similar structure but can be positive or negative

  • owing to

    more formal; less common in spoken English

Grammar Patterns

courtesy of [cause/situation]

Usage Note

Distinguish from sense 2 (BY PERMISSION): sense 3 attributes the cause to a situation or natural event, not a person granting permission. Often carries a mildly humorous or ironic tone, especially when describing something unpleasant.

4. something given freely or provided without payment as a polite gesture or favour

4.nounB2
Definition

something given freely or provided without payment as a polite gesture or favour from a person or organisation

Example

All hotel guests receive a courtesy shuttle bus to the city centre.

noun modifier: courtesy shuttle = free service

The supermarket offers a courtesy trolley service for customers with small children.

Common collocations
  • courtesy bus
  • courtesy car
  • courtesy phone
  • courtesy room
  • courtesy shuttle
Synonyms
  • complimentary

    means 'given free'; more common for items than services

  • free

    more general; less formal

  • on the house

    idiomatic; used only for restaurants, bars, or hospitality

Antonyms
  • paid

    direct opposite; informal

Usage Note

This sense is commonly used as a noun modifier before another noun ('courtesy bus', 'courtesy phone', 'courtesy room'). The service or item is provided free of charge but is not necessarily expected — it is given as a favour or standard service gesture.

Idioms

do somebody the courtesy of doing something

idiom

to be polite enough to perform a specific action that shows respect for another person, especially by giving them information or notice

Ezra did me the courtesy of explaining why he could not attend the meeting.

The manager did the staff the courtesy of telling them about the change before the announcement.

have the courtesy to do something

idiom

used to say that someone should behave politely in a particular situation, especially when they have failed to do so

Shirin wished her neighbour had had the courtesy to warn her about the noisy renovation.

At least he could have the courtesy to admit that he made a mistake.

courtesy of somebody/something

idiom

Given or allowed by someone or something as a favor or with official permission.

The free concert was held courtesy of the local music festival.

Did you receive the sample kit courtesy of the company?

courtesy — adjective

Word family

  • courteous
    adjectiveB2
  • courteously
    adverbB2
  • discourtesy
    nounC1
  • discourteous
    adjectiveC1
  • discourteously
    adverbC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

These four words all relate to respectful social behaviour, but they differ in scope and formality. Politeness is the broadest and most neutral term — it describes considerate behaviour in everyday interactions, such as saying 'please' and 'thank you'. Civility is more formal and suggests the basic level of respect needed for people to coexist peacefully in public life, especially when they disagree. Manners (always plural) refers to the specific learned rules of behaviour passed down through families or cultures, like not speaking with your mouth full. Etiquette is the most structured of the group — it covers formal codes of conduct in specific settings, such as business dinners, weddings, or diplomatic events. In practice, while politeness describes the general quality of being nice to others, etiquette tells you the exact rules for a formal dinner. A person can have good manners without knowing fine etiquette.

politeness ↗civility ↗mannersetiquette ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • as a courtesy
  • out of courtesy
  • by courtesy of
  • courtesy of

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

The word 'courtesy' entered Middle English from Old French 'courteisie', which came from 'corteis' meaning 'having courtly manners'. Behind 'corteis' lies the Latin 'cohors' (enclosed yard or retinue) — the same root that gives us 'court'. The original idea was that someone who belonged to a royal court was expected to behave with refined, polished manners. Over time, the meaning broadened from 'behaviour fit for a court' to 'any polite or considerate behaviour'.