Discourteous: Definition, Examples, and Usage

Meaning 1：impolite (discourteous)

discourteous 🔊

/dɪsˈkɜːrtiəs/

adj.

not polite; behaving in a rude way that shows no respect for others.

Discourteous person talking loudly on phone in cafe

impolite 🔊

➕

/ɪmpəˈlaɪt/

adj.

Behaving in a way that lacks good manners and shows disrespect towards others.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Advanced

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From 'dis-' meaning 'not' + 'courteous' meaning 'polite', literally 'not polite'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think: 'dis-' (not) + 'courteous' (polite). Imagine someone shouting 'Dis-Courteous!' when seeing rude acts.

📖 Example

It was very discourteous of him to talk loudly on his phone during the movie, disturbing everyone around him. 🔊 It was very discourteous of him to talk loudly on his phone during the movie, disturbing everyone around him.

🔗 Collocations

discourteous behavior – actions that show a lack of politeness

discourteous remark – an impolite or rude comment

be discourteous to – to act rudely towards someone

🔄 Synonyms

rude (adj.) – not polite; offensively impolite or ill-mannered

impolite (adj.) – not having good manners; discourteous

disrespectful (adj.) – showing a lack of respect or courtesy

🚫 Antonyms

polite (adj.) – having or showing good manners and respect for others

courteous (adj.) – polite, respectful, and considerate in manner

respectful (adj.) – feeling or showing deference and respect

🌱 Derivatives

discourteously (adv.) – in a discourteous manner

discourteousness (n.) – the quality of being discourteous

discourtesy (n.) – rude and disrespectful behavior

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Old French 'courtois' (courtly, polite) combined with Latin prefix 'dis-' (not). Used since the 15th century to describe a lack of courteous behavior.