Crossword Dictionary
COURTESY
courtesy - n
a courteous or respectful or considerate act
Synonyms
civility, deference, generosity, kindness, reverence, sympathy, address, affability, amenities, amiability, attentiveness, ceremony, chivalry, comity, complaisance, consideration, cordiality, courtliness, cultivation, culture, elegance, familiarity, favor, friendliness, gallantry, geniality, gentleness, graciousness, indulgence, polish, politeness, refinement, respect, solicitude, suavity, tact, thoughtfulness, urbanity
Examples
His abilities, his courtesy and his upright character made him a universal favourite.
War is not courtesy but the most horrible thing in life; and we ought to understand that and not play at war.
Bagration was embarrassed, not wishing to avail himself of their courtesy, and this caused some delay at the doors, but after all he did at last enter first.
Etymology
c. 1200, curteisie, "courtly ideals; chivalry, chivalrous conduct; elegance of manners, politeness," also "a courteous act, act of civility or respect," from Old French curteisie, cortoisie "courtliness, noble sentiments; courteousness; generosity" (Modern French courtoisie), from curteis "courteous" (see courteous).