courteous meaning and examples thumbnail

courteous meaning and examples

2025-09-04

Meaning

  • Courteous (adjective) means polite, respectful, and considerate in manner.
  • It describes behavior that shows good manners and respect toward others.

Grammar and Usage

  • Part of speech: Adjective

  • Common structure:

    • be courteous to/toward sb (be polite to someone)
    • courteous in doing sth (polite when doing something)

Example:

  • "She was courteous to everyone at the meeting."
  • "He was courteous in answering the difficult question."

Common Phrases

  • a courteous reply
  • courteous behavior
  • be courteous enough to
  • courteous service

Collocations

  • highly courteous
  • courteous and respectful
  • courteous manner
  • courteous smile
  • courteous greeting

Examples

  1. The staff at the hotel were very courteous and helpful.
  2. Please be courteous to other passengers when boarding the train.
  3. He gave a courteous bow before leaving the room.
  4. The manager was courteous in handling the customer’s complaint.
  5. She was courteous enough to wait until everyone was seated.
  6. A courteous driver always allows pedestrians to cross first.
  7. The teacher encouraged students to be courteous in discussions.
  8. Despite his anger, he remained courteous throughout the conversation.
  • Polite
  • Respectful
  • Civil
  • Gracious
  • Considerate
  • Well-mannered