B2nounformalsocietyrelationships
US/ˈkɜːr.tə.si/
UK/ˈkɜː.tə.si/
polite and respectful behavior toward other people
In context
It's common courtesy to reply when someone sends you a message.
The staff treated every guest with courtesy and patience.
Could you at least have the courtesy to call if you're late?
Words that go with courtesy
adjective + noun
- common courtesyTurning off your phone in the cinema is common courtesy.
verb + noun
- have the courtesyHe didn't even have the courtesy to say goodbye.
noun + preposition
- with courtesyCustomers should always be treated with courtesy.
- courtesy ofThe drinks tonight are courtesy of the hotel.
noun + noun
- courtesy callThe new ambassador paid a courtesy call on the prime minister.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He has no courtesy to answer the phone.Correct: He doesn't have the courtesy to answer the phone.