Courtsey vs. Courtesy: The Correct Spellings

The word "courtesy" has roots that can be traced back to the Old French word "courtoisie," which means "courtly manners or behavior." This word evolved in Middle English to become "curteisie," from which the modern English word derives.

Remembering the spelling of "courtesy" can be easier if you consider the word "court." Though it's not directly related in meaning, envisioning a court where people maintain a level of respect and politeness can remind you of the correct spelling. This association with "court" and respect can be a helpful memory tool.

The correct spelling is "courtesy," whereas "courtsey" is an error. The fundamental distinction between these two spellings is accuracy; "courtesy" is the standard spelling, and "courtsey" is a common typographical mistake.

Other forms related to "courtesy" include "courteous" (adjective) and "courteously" (adverb).

Incorrect: It's common courtsey to hold the door open for the person behind you.

Correct: It's common courtesy to hold the door open for the person behind you.

Incorrect: He sent a thank-you note as a courtsey after the interview.

Correct: He sent a thank-you note as a courtesy after the interview.

Incorrect: Please respond to the invitation as a courtsey to the host.

Correct: Please respond to the invitation as a courtesy to the host.

Incorrect: The company provides a shuttle service as a courtsey to its employees.

Correct: The company provides a shuttle service as a courtesy to its employees.

Incorrect: She always greets her neighbors with a smile as a sign of courtsey.

Correct: She always greets her neighbors with a smile as a sign of courtesy.

Courtesy is the showing of politeness in attitude and behavior toward others.

Courtesy is a privilege or service extended to someone beyond what is due.

Courtesy can refer to the curtsy gesture, a sign of respect or greeting made by bending the knees and lowering the body.

Courtesy refers to consent or agreement in the absence of any objection.

Courtesy is a gesture or action expressing politeness.

Polite behavior.

A polite gesture or remark.

Consent or agreement in spite of fact; indulgence

Willingness or generosity in providing something needed

Given or done as a polite gesture

Free of charge

(uncountable) Polite behavior.

(countable) A polite gesture or remark, especially as opposed to an obligation or standard practice.

(uncountable) Consent or agreement in spite of fact; indulgence.

(uncountable) Willingness or generosity in providing something needed.

A curtsey.

(law) The life interest that the surviving husband has in the real or heritable estate of his wife.

alternative form of curtsey

Given or done as a polite gesture.

Supplied free of charge.

Politeness; civility; urbanity; courtliness.

An act of civility or respect; an act of kindness or favor performed with politeness.

Favor or indulgence, as distinguished from right; as, a title given one by courtesy.

An act of civility, respect, or reverence, made by women, consisting of a slight depression or dropping of the body, with bending of the knees.

To make a respectful salutation or movement of respect; esp. (with reference to women), to bow the body slightly, with bending of the knes.

To treat with civility.

a courteous or respectful or considerate act

a courteous or respectful or considerate remark

a courteous manner

Showing courtesy to elders is important in many cultures.

It's a basic courtesy to say "please" and "thank you."

It's considered common courtesy to keep noise levels down in shared spaces.

As a courtesy, the library offers free Wi-Fi to its patrons.

In many places, it's a courtesy to remove your shoes before entering a home.

The hotel extends a courtesy shuttle to the airport for guests.

Returning lost items to their owners is a courtesy that everyone appreciates.

The company offered the refund as a courtesy to the dissatisfied customer.

Offering your seat to someone in need is a simple act of courtesy.

In professional settings, responding to emails in a timely manner is a common courtesy.

It's a courtesy to inform your neighbors if you're planning a loud event.

Extending a little courtesy can often diffuse tense situations.

Many services offer a courtesy call to remind you of appointments.

Responding promptly to invitations is a matter of basic courtesy.

The guest speaker was given a gift as a courtesy for her time.

The captain extended a special courtesy to the veterans on board.

The restaurant provided a complimentary dessert as a courtesy to celebrate our anniversary.

Many drivers appreciate the courtesy wave when they let someone merge into traffic.

The store allows returns as a courtesy to ensure customer satisfaction.

Respecting privacy is a fundamental courtesy in any community.

"Courtsey" is incorrect because it deviates from the standard spelling and historical roots of the word derived from Old French and Middle English.

"Courtesy" comes from the Old French word "courtoisie," which translates to "courtly manners or behavior." It evolved in Middle English as "curteisie."

Yes, "courteous" is an adjective form and "courteously" is its adverbial counterpart.

The correct spelling is "courtesy". "Courtsey" is a typographical error.

Though "courtesy" and "court" aren't directly related in meaning, their linguistic roots share some commonality, both stemming from references to courtly behavior and manners.

Consider the word "court" and imagine a courtly setting where people display respect and politeness. This association can serve as a mnemonic.

While politeness is a primary definition, "courtesy" can also refer to gestures of respect, consent without objection, special privileges or services, and even the gesture of a curtsy.

Originating from a term denoting "courtly manners," the modern use of "courtesy" has expanded to encapsulate general politeness and respectful gestures, not just those associated with courts.

Absolutely. "Courtesy" can describe behavior, a particular gesture, a granted privilege, or even a formal bow or curtsy.

The error might stem from the phonetic similarity between "courtesy" and "courtsey" or the presence of the word "court" in the English language, leading to this frequent misspelling.