How do you use the word "courtesy" in a sentence?

Q: How do you use the word "courtesy" in a sentence?

Here are real-life examples of using "courtesy": The President did me the courtesy of replying to my letter. Can you tell me where the nearest courtesy phone is?

Courtesy Meaning

/ˈkɜːtəsi/

Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

Definition

nounPolite behavior.

nounA polite gesture or remark, especially as opposed to an obligation or standard practice.

Sentence Examples

The President did me the courtesy of replying to my letter.

Can you tell me where the nearest courtesy phone is?

I was treated with the utmost courtesy by the staff.

CEFR Practice Quiz

Showing ____ by holding the door made the visitor feel welcome.

CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)

The President did me the ____ of replying to my letter.

Word Origin & History

From Middle English curteisie, curtesie, from Anglo-Norman curtesie, from Old French curteisie, cortoisie. Equivalent to courteous + -y (abstract noun suffix). By surface analysis, court + -esy.

Literary Quotations & Historical Citations

"Rabbit doesn't want to tell him anything. The more he tells, the more he loses. He's safe inside his own skin, he doesn't want to come out. This guy's whole game is to get him out into the open where he can be manipulated. But the fierce convention of courtesy pries open Rabbit's lips." — 1960, John Updike, 'Rabbit, Run', page 108:

"My lord, for your many courtesies I thank you." — 1598–1599 (first performance), William Shakespeare, “Much Adoe about Nothing”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene i]:

"The lady drops a courtesy in token of obedience, and the ceremony proceeds as usual." — 1760, Oliver Goldsmith, The Citizen of the World:

"[I]t was her favorite amusement to array herself in the faded brocades, and parade up and down before the long mirror, making stately courtesies, and sweeping her train about, with a rustle which delighted her ears." — 1868–1869, Louisa M[ay] Alcott, “Amy’s Will”, in Little Women: […], (please specify |part=1 or 2), Boston, Mass.: Roberts Brothers, →OCLC, page 284:

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