C1adjectiveformalworkrelationships
US/ˈkɜːr.ti.əs/
UK/ˈkɜː.ti.əs/
polite and showing respect for other people
In context
The hotel staff were courteous and helpful throughout our stay.
Please remain courteous to customers even when they are upset.
His reply to the complaint was brief but perfectly courteous.
Words that go with courteous
adjective + noun
- courteous staffCourteous staff greeted every guest at the door.
- courteous serviceThe restaurant is known for courteous service.
adjective + preposition
- courteous toDrivers must be courteous to passengers.
verb + adjective
- remain courteousTry to remain courteous when dealing with complaints.
adverb + adjective
- perfectly courteousThe clerk was perfectly courteous but could not help.
- unfailingly courteousThe receptionist was unfailingly courteous.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The staff were very courtesy.Correct: The staff were very courteous.