/ ˈkɜːtəsi; NAmE ˈkɜːrt-/ noun , adjective
■ noun ( pl. -ies )
1.
[ U ] polite behaviour that shows respect for other people
SYN politeness :
I was treated with the utmost courtesy by the staff.
It's only common courtesy to tell the neighbours that we'll be having a party (= the sort of behaviour that people would expect) .
2.
[ C , usually pl. ] ( formal ) a polite thing that you say or do when you meet people in formal situations :
an exchange of courtesies before the meeting
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IDIOMS
- courtesy of sb/sth
- do sb the courtesy of doing sth
- have the courtesy to do sth
■ adjective
[ only before noun ] ( of a bus, car, etc. ) provided free, at no cost to the person using it :
A courtesy bus operates between the hotel and the town centre.
The dealer will provide you with a courtesy car while your vehicle is being repaired.
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French cortesie , from corteis , based on Latin cohors yard, retinue.