courteous

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A courteous person is someone who shows kindness and respect towards others.

When people use the word "courteous," they usually mean that someone is being polite and considerate of others' feelings. For example, if you're a customer at a restaurant and the waiter remembers your favorite drink from last time and offers to get it for you again, that's an example of courtesy. People might say something like, "He was really courteous when I asked him about the menu." It means he listened carefully, answered your questions clearly, and didn't make you feel silly or confused. In general, being courteous is a kind way to treat others, whether it's in person or on the phone or online.

How common is "courteous"?

Word courteous is considered rare in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
Definitions

adjective

  • Showing regard or thought for others; especially, displaying good manners or etiquette.

    Example: a courteous gentleman   a courteous gesture

Real examples of "courteous" in context

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