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COURTEOUS
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I. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Characterized by courtesy and gracious good manners
Example:
if a man be gracious and courteous to strangers it shows he is a citizen of the world
Classified under:
Similar:
chivalrous; gallant; knightly (being attentive to women like an ideal knight)
Also:
respectful (full of or exhibiting respect)
Attribute:
courtesy; good manners (a courteous manner)
Antonym:
discourteous (showing no courtesy; rude)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Exhibiting courtesy and politeness
Example:
a nice gesture
Synonyms:
Classified under:
Similar:
polite (showing regard for others in manners, speech, behavior, etc.)
Context examples:
And yet, with all this, he can be courteous, dignified, and kindly upon occasion, and I have seen an impulsive good-heartedness in the man which has made me overlook faults which come mainly from his being placed in a position which no one upon this earth was ever less fitted to fill.
(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
Gentlemen, which means boys, be courteous to the old maids, no matter how poor and plain and prim, for the only chivalry worth having is that which is the readiest to pay deference to the old, protect the feeble, and serve womankind, regardless of rank, age, or color.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
The light and warmth and the Count's courteous welcome seemed to have dissipated all my doubts and fears.
(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)
Meanwhile, I am much obliged to you for your courteous acquiescence.
(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
No, Bertrand, said she, thanks to this courteous stranger.
(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
She must be courteous, and she must be compassionate.
(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)
But, if these censurers were better acquainted with the noble and courteous disposition of the Houyhnhnms, they would soon change their opinion.
(Gulliver's Travels into several remote nations of the world, by Jonathan Swift)
She said all that was reasonable and proper on the business; felt the claims of Dr Shirley to repose as she ought; saw how very desirable it was that he should have some active, respectable young man, as a resident curate, and was even courteous enough to hint at the advantage of such resident curate's being married.
(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)
He held out the letter to me, and with a courteous bow handed me a clean envelope.
(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)
“Faith,” said Ford, “this air of Bordeaux hath turned our turtle-dove into a game-cock. A milder or more courteous youth never came out of Hampshire.”
(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
