courteous
Showing good manners
Courteous describes polite, respectful behavior that shows consideration for others.
A courteous person observes social niceties—holding doors, saying please and thank you, letting others speak.
The word implies genuine regard rather than mere formality: The staff was courteous and helpful.
Courteous often appears in customer service contexts where pleasant interaction is expected.
Rules of polite conduct
- civilityFormal politeness in conduct
- decorumFitting social conduct
- well-manneredPolite and respectful
- genteelAffectedly polite or refined
refined · cultured · proper · polished · urbane · sophisticated · tactful · diplomatic
Pleasantly kind and courteous
- affableWarm and approachable
- amiableGood-natured and likable
- genialPleasantly warm-mannered
- warmModerately heated, or friendly
friendly · pleasant · agreeable · welcoming · hospitable · congenial · approachable · personable
Showing humble submission
- considerateMindful of others' needs
- regardfulShowing attention or consideration
- attentivePaying close notice
- honorificRespectful form of address
reverent · obeisance · esteem · deference · acknowledgment · bowing · salutation · yielding
Courage, especially in combat
- knightlyOf armored nobility
- nobleTitled or virtuous
- valorousCourageous and bold
- honorHigh regard, moral dignity
dignified · protective · gentlemanly · heroic · damsel · old-fashioned · standing · escort
etiquette
Rules of polite conduct
- civilityFormal politeness in conduct
- decorumFitting social conduct
- well-manneredPolite and respectful
genteel · refined · cultured · proper · polished · urbane · sophisticated · tactful · diplomatic · decorous
gracious
Pleasantly kind and courteous
warm · friendly · pleasant · agreeable · welcoming · hospitable · congenial · approachable · personable · good-natured
deferential
Showing humble submission
- considerateMindful of others' needs
- regardfulShowing attention or consideration
- attentivePaying close notice
honorific · reverent · obeisance · esteem · deference · acknowledgment · bowing · salutation · yielding · humble
gallantry
Courage, especially in combat
honor · dignified · protective · gentlemanly · heroic · damsel · old-fashioned · standing · escort
- neighborlinessfriendly, helpful, considerate, kind, welcoming
- mannersetiquette, manners, polite, rude, politeness
- Scoutingbadges, scout, Boy Scouts, campfires, scouts
- positive traitskindness, honesty, patience, generosity, compassion
- royal courtking, queen, prince, princess, crown
- traitshonesty, ambitious, brave, calm, kindness
courteousrude
Offensively ill-mannered
impolite · discourteous · disrespectful · uncivil · ill-mannered