“He opened the door out of politeness.”
Usage Entry 1350 / 1605 60-second read
Courtesy vs. Politeness
Kindness that is often active and gracious versus formal good manners in interaction.
The comparisoni
“He opened the door as a courtesy — courtesy is kindness in action. Politeness is the observance of social convention.”
The ruleii
¶
COURTESY = kindness. POLITENESS = convention.
POLITENESS is observance of social convention — saying please and thank you, not interrupting. COURTESY is a subset, with warmth — an active kindness or grace beyond bare convention (holding the door, writing a thank-you note). You can be polite without being courteous; the reverse is hard.
Memory aidiii
Remember it like this
Polite = rules. Courtesy = warmth.