curtis

IPA/kˈɜːtɪs/
KK[kˈɚtəs]IPA/kˈərtəs/

curtis — noun

1. Charles Curtis (1860–1936), the 31st Vice President of the United States who ser

1.noun
Definition

Charles Curtis (1860–1936), the 31st Vice President of the United States who served from 1929 to 1933 under President Herbert Hoover. He is historically notable as the first — and to date, only — person of Native American ancestry to hold the office of Vice President.

Example

Charles Curtis was the first person of Native American heritage to serve as Vice President of the United States.

proper noun + appositive clause describing identity

Before becoming Vice President, Charles Curtis had already spent thirty years in Congress as a Senator from Kansas.

temporal clause + proper noun subject

2. Cyrus Hermann Kotzschmar Curtis (1850–1933), an American magazine publisher who

2.noun
Definition

Cyrus Hermann Kotzschmar Curtis (1850–1933), an American magazine publisher who founded the Curtis Publishing Company. He built one of the largest publishing empires of his era, owning major periodicals such as the Ladies' Home Journal and The Saturday Evening Post.

Example

Cyrus Curtis bought The Saturday Evening Post in 1897 and turned it into one of America's most popular magazines.

proper noun + verb of acquisition + time reference

The publishing company founded by Cyrus Curtis became famous for its profitable women's magazines and weekly fiction.

passive construction: was founded by + proper noun

3. George William Curtis (1824–1892), an American author, editor, and public lectur

3.noun
Definition

George William Curtis (1824–1892), an American author, editor, and public lecturer. He was best known for his essays in Harper's Weekly and was a prominent advocate for civil-service reform, the abolition of slavery, and women's suffrage.

Example

George William Curtis wrote a popular weekly column for Harper's Magazine that reached readers across the country.

proper noun + verb of writing + publication context

As a public speaker, George William Curtis campaigned for civil-service reform and fair treatment of all citizens.

prepositional phrase introducing role

Word family

Etymology

Old FrenchAnglo-NormanMiddle EnglishEnglish

The surname Curtis comes from the Old French word 'curteis', meaning 'courteous' or 'refined'. It was brought to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066, where it was used as a nickname for someone of polite or elegant manners. Over time, it became a hereditary surname. The three historical figures listed here — Charles, Cyrus, and George William Curtis — belong to different family lines who share this common surname.