courtesy

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cour·te·sy / ˈkərtəsē/ • n. (pl. -sies) the showing of politeness in one's attitude and behavior toward others: he had been treated with a degree of courtesy not far short of deference. ∎  (often courtesies) a polite speech or action, esp. one required by convention: the superficial courtesies of diplomatic exchanges. ∎  [as adj.] (esp. of transport) supplied free of charge to people who are already paying for another service: he traveled from the hotel in a courtesy car. ∎ archaic a curtsy.PHRASES: by courtesy as a favor rather than by right: he was not at the conference only by courtesy. (by) courtesy of given or allowed by: photograph courtesy of the Evening Star. ∎ inf. as a result of; thanks to.

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