courtesy
/ˈkɜːtəsi/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkɜːrtəsi/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkər-tə-sē British also ˈkȯ-/ (ame, mw)
courtesy — noun
- courtesysingular
- courtesiesplural
1. ways of acting or speaking that are considerate towards others; a specific kind
ways of acting or speaking that are considerate towards others; a specific kind gesture or polite word used in social settings
Sayaka held the door open for the elderly woman as a simple courtesy.
countable noun: a simple courtesy
The hotel staff showed every courtesy to the guests during their stay.
uncountable: show courtesy to someone
Femi saw an old man with heavy bags and held the door — common courtesy.
Out of courtesy, Felix waited for everyone to sit before beginning his talk.
The neighbours exchanged courtesies when they met in the hallway for the first time.
- politeness
more general; less formal than 'courtesy'
- civility
formal; emphasises basic respectful behaviour in public
- manners
plural only; refers to learned social behaviour patterns
- etiquette
uncountable; refers to the formal rules of polite behaviour in specific settings
- discourtesy
the direct opposite; formal
- rudeness
more common and less formal than 'discourtesy'
用法筆記
Uncountable when referring to polite behaviour in general; countable when referring to a specific polite action or remark. The phrase 'common courtesy' + to-infinitive is a frequent pattern.
常見錯誤
2. used to say that a person or organization has given permission for something to
used to say that a person or organization has given permission for something to be shown, used, or published, usually as a favour
The wedding photos were shared courtesy of a local photography studio.
courtesy of [organisation] = with permission from
The museum displayed the ancient scrolls by courtesy of the National Library.
by courtesy of = formal permission
Adina used the painting in her book cover, courtesy of the artist's family.
The photographs in this book are reproduced courtesy of the artist's estate.
- by permission of
directly synonymous but more formal
- with the kind permission of
more elaborate and very formal
文法句型
courtesy of [person/organisation]
用法筆記
This sense nearly always appears in the fixed phrases 'courtesy of' or 'by courtesy of'. The person or organisation named after 'of' is the one that gave permission. Common in acknowledgments, photo credits, and formal notices.
3. used to indicate that an event or situation is caused by something else, often a
used to indicate that an event or situation is caused by something else, often a problem or inconvenience
The forest fire spread quickly courtesy of the strong winds.
courtesy of [cause] = because of, often for negative effects
The evening train was cancelled courtesy of a power failure in the city.
The garden was flooded courtesy of three days of heavy rain.
The outdoor concert was postponed courtesy of an unexpected thunderstorm.
- because of
neutral; not restricted to this phrase structure
- thanks to
similar structure but can be positive or negative
- owing to
more formal; less common in spoken English
文法句型
courtesy of [cause/situation]
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 2 (BY PERMISSION): sense 3 attributes the cause to a situation or natural event, not a person granting permission. Often carries a mildly humorous or ironic tone, especially when describing something unpleasant.
4. something given freely or provided without payment as a polite gesture or favour
something given freely or provided without payment as a polite gesture or favour from a person or organisation
All hotel guests receive a courtesy shuttle bus to the city centre.
noun modifier: courtesy shuttle = free service
The supermarket offers a courtesy trolley service for customers with small children.
Amira's flight was delayed, so the airline provided a courtesy meal at the gate.
The conference provided a courtesy lunch for all registered attendees.
- complimentary
means 'given free'; more common for items than services
- free
more general; less formal
- on the house
idiomatic; used only for restaurants, bars, or hospitality
- paid
direct opposite; informal
用法筆記
This sense is commonly used as a noun modifier before another noun ('courtesy bus', 'courtesy phone', 'courtesy room'). The service or item is provided free of charge but is not necessarily expected — it is given as a favour or standard service gesture.
courtesy — adjective
- courtesypositive
- more courtesycomparative
- most courtesysuperlative
1. provided or done free of charge as a polite service or gesture, usually by a bus
provided or done free of charge as a polite service or gesture, usually by a business or organisation
The dealership gave Inês a courtesy car while her own vehicle was being repaired.
attributive adjective: courtesy car = free loan car
Joaquín made a courtesy visit to the hospital to thank the staff who had treated him.
attributive: courtesy visit = polite social visit
The airline provides a courtesy phone for passengers to make local calls.
The captain paid a courtesy call on the ambassador before leaving the country.
- complimentary
common for items like tickets, drinks, samples; 'courtesy' is more typical for services and vehicles
- free
more general; less formal; not restricted to business gestures
文法句型
courtesy + noun
用法筆記
Used only before a noun (attributive position). Common in the fixed collocations 'courtesy car', 'courtesy bus', 'courtesy phone', 'courtesy call', 'courtesy visit'. Unlike the noun sense 4 (FREE OF CHARGE), which treats the item or service as a gift, the adjective describes the type or quality of the service.