The word "courtesy" is spelled as /ˈkɜːtəsi/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced as "kʌrt", with the "o" being silent. The second syllable is pronounced as "-si". The word originates from Old French "curteis", meaning "courtly" or "polite". It is often used to describe politeness, respect, and good manners. Proper usage and spelling of this word is important for effective communication in both formal and informal settings.
Courtesy is a noun that refers to the polite and considerate behavior shown towards others, often with a gesture or act of kindness. It involves showing respect, thoughtfulness, and good manners in one's interactions with other individuals or within a social context.
At its core, courtesy is about treating people in a way that makes them feel valued and appreciated. It encompasses actions such as using polite language, smiling, and making eye contact, as well as gestures like holding doors open for others or offering assistance whenever possible. By displaying courtesy, individuals demonstrate an understanding of social norms and a willingness to go beyond basic politeness to make others feel comfortable and respected.
In various situations, courtesy manifests differently. It can involve showing deference or yielding to others in a hierarchical relationship, such as students paying respect to their teachers or employees acknowledging their superiors. Additionally, in public spaces, courtesy can be exhibited by giving up one's seat for those in need, allowing others to exit before entering, or being mindful of noise levels to avoid disturbing those in the vicinity.
In summary, courtesy embodies the genuine consideration for others' feelings and needs by displaying kind and respectful behavior. It promotes harmony and fosters positive interactions among individuals in a variety of settings, from personal relationships to professional environments and public spaces.
• Politeness of manners combined with kindness; civility; an act of civility or respect; favour not by right.
• An act of respect or reverence paid by a woman.
• To perform an act of respect, &c., as a woman.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "courtesy" originated from the Latin word "curtis", meaning "courtyard" or "inhabitant of a court". During medieval times, it evolved to refer to the behavior and manners expected of those who lived in the courts of royalty and nobility. From there, it developed into the modern meaning of being polite, considerate, and well-mannered.