English pronunciation · Words Starting with C
Courtesy Pronunciation
Courtesy is pronounced KUR-tuh-see, IPA /ˈkɝtəsi/.
KUR-tuh-see
US /ˈkɝtəsi/ · UK /ˈkɜːtəsi/
Syllables: KUR · tuh · see (3 syllables, stress on syllable 1)
noun: Polite behaviour, or a polite act done for someone.
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Courtesy in a Sentence
- He had the courtesy to call ahead.
- The hotel offers a courtesy bus to the airport.
- Common courtesy costs nothing.
Common Mispronunciations of Courtesy
Not KAWR-tuh-see
The our spells the ur of hurt, so the word opens KUR and not KAWR. Court, by contrast, keeps the aw.
Not kur-TE-see
Nothing after the first beat is strong, so tuh and see both run light.
Tip: Courtesy begins like curtain, even though court does not.
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