Words / B1

KURT-ee-uh-s/ˈkɜːtiəs/

Courteous means polite and respectful. Polite is everyday; courtesy is the noun (already in the dictionary). Rude is an opposite. Wards: be courteous even when the wait is long.

Meaning

Polite and respectful.

Examples

• “Be courteous on the ward, even when the wait is long.”
• “A courteous refusal still needs a reason in a complaint letter.”

Good to know

courteous + noun / complement. Everyday: polite. Noun: courtesy. Mix-up: curious. Customer service / NHS. Not “courteously” required in every sentence — adverb exists.

Near in meaning

polite

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