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courteousness

courteousness

3.5
A polite way of behaving that shows respect for other people
  • noun
  • /ˈkɜːrtiəsnəs/
translation icon : cortesía
  • You will approach everyone in a respectful and courteous manner initially, and even if they become difficult at some point, you'll maintain that respect and you'll maintain that courteousness.

Examples

  • That courteousness was often moving, as in the tactful and almost mournful empathy that Grant and Lee exhibited toward each other at Appomattox.

    Academic text (2003)
  • He's not known for his diplomacy, courteousness, humility, consideration, or any of those other qualities that we ought to want in a President.

    Blog text (14)
  • What Whitman called the "official surface-courteousness of the Generals" deeply colored our understanding of the war.

    Academic text (2003)
  • For example, clustered families vs. nuclear families, meaning and purpose of relationships, what's meant by near and dear ones, the degeneration of virtues such as patience, humility, courteousness, and the purpose of life.

    Blog text (22)
  • For example, clustered families vs. nuclear families, meaning and purpose of relationships, what's meant by near and dear ones, the degeneration of virtues such as patience, humility, and courteousness.

    Blog text (22)
  • His courteousness made everyone feel welcome at the gathering.

  • The courteousness she displayed during the interview impressed the hiring manager.

  • They showed great courteousness by helping the elderly woman cross the street.

Synonyms

respect
vscourteousness
1.0

Polite actions or words that show you value someone

is the broader personal quality of being polite and showing regard for others
courtesy
vscourteousness
296 1.9

Polite actions or words that show respect for other people

is the overall quality of being polite and showing respect
manners
vscourteousness
248 1.0

Polite ways of behaving toward other people, like saying please and thank you

is the inner quality that produces those socially polite behaviours
decency
vscourteousness
155 3.0

Polite, respectful behavior that follows common social rules

is more about public moral behaviour than private polite actions
civility
vscourteousness
71 4.2

Polite and respectful words and actions toward other people

is the personal trait that motivates such public respectful conduct
decorum
vscourteousness
  • Formal
30 7.3

Polite and proper behavior in formal situations

is the general polite and respectful quality that may be less formal
politeness
vscourteousness
26 1.3

Showing good manners and respect to other people

is the general personal quality of being polite and respectful
good manners
vscourteousness
23 1.0

Polite and respectful actions toward other people

is the personal quality that underlies such rule-following behaviour
niceness
vscourteousness
11 1.3

A kind and polite way of treating other people

centres more narrowly on polite respect rather than general pleasantness
thoughtfulness
vscourteousness
8 2.9

Being kind and careful about other people's needs and feelings

stresses polite respect more than internal kindness or planning
graciousness
vscourteousness
6 4.1

Being kind, polite, and generous to other people

focuses more narrowly on politeness and respect without extra generosity
politesse
vscourteousness
  • Formal
1 9.9

Formal good manners and speech that shows respect for others

is the everyday polite quality without the heavy formal refinement
respectfulness
vscourteousness
1 3.9

Polite and kind behavior toward other people's feelings and wishes

is a broader polite quality that includes such regard among its parts
gentlemanliness
vscourteousness
  • Formal
1 7.2

Polite and kind behaviour that shows respect and good manners

is simply the polite and respectful personal quality without added social ideals
decorousness
vscourteousness
  • Formal
1 8.4

A polite way of behaving that follows social rules

is the internal polite quality that need not always show formal propriety
considerateness
vscourteousness
6.1

Care for other people's needs and feelings

is more about general politeness and formal respect than specific thoughtfulness
seemliness
vscourteousness
  • Formal
8.9

Good behaviour that follows social rules and shows respect for others

is the personal polite quality rather than the strict sense of appropriateness

Antonyms

133 3.4

Rude behavior or words that show a lack of respect for someone

27 1.8

Lack of politeness or respect for other people

How Courteous

graciousness
6 4.1
courteousness
3.5
courtesy
296 1.9
politeness
26 1.3

Surface Forms

courteousness singular

Morphology

courteousness = courteous (transparent) = courteous + ness

Forming a noun of quality from the adjective 'courteous' with the productive suffix '-ness' yields a directly predictable meaning.

Etymology

Courteousness comes from courtesy, and before that from court, which meant the 'royal court' where people were expected to show polite manners. So courteousness is the polite, respectful way of acting you would show in such a place.