courtesy – English noun declension

English noun forms of courtesy

Noun: courtesy
Singularcourtesy
Pluralcourtesies

Sample Sentences

  • Please extend them the courtesy of your presence.
  • He was always known for his grace, kindness, and courtesy to people of every rank.
  • 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:]
  • I offered them a ride simply as a courtesy.
  • 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]:]
  • They call this pond a lake by courtesy only.
  • They received free advertising through the courtesy of the local newspaper.
  • [on a label, caption, etc.] Courtesy the Smith Foundation: [e.g.] use of this image was allowed through the courtesy of the Smith Foundation.
  • 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:]

Etymology

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. See: Middle English Nouns 'curteisie'.