C1
courteous vs courtesy vs politeness
The difference
| Word | Meaning | Goes with | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| courteousadjective/ˈkɜːr.ti.əs/ | Meaning polite and showing respect for other people | Goes with courteous staff | Example Please remain courteous to customers even when they are upset. |
| courtesynoun/ˈkɜːr.tə.si/ | Meaning polite and respectful behavior toward other people | Goes with common courtesy | Example It's common courtesy to reply when someone sends you a message. |
| politenessnoun/pəˈlaɪt.nəs/ | Meaning behavior that is respectful and considerate of other people's feelings | Goes with out of politeness | Example She thanked him out of politeness, though she did not like the gift. |
Which word fits?
1 of 8Pick the word for the gap. Its form may change in the sentence.
The new ambassador paid a call on the prime minister.