discourteous
/dis'kə:tjəs/
Học thuậtThân thiện
He was being discourteous by talking loudly on his phone in the quiet library.
Definition
- Adjective:
- Lacking social graces; showing no courtesy; rude: The word "discourteous" describes behavior or actions that fail to show respect, politeness, or consideration for others. It implies a breach of basic social etiquette.
- Characterized by bad manners: It can describe a person whose conduct is impolite or offensive.
Usage
- "Discourteous" is used to formally label behavior as impolite. It is more formal than "rude" but carries a similar meaning. It often describes specific acts (e.g., a discourteous remark) or a person's general demeanor.
- It is commonly used in written English, customer service contexts, and formal complaints.
Examples
- Adjective:
- It was discourteous of him not to reply to the invitation. (His failure to reply showed a lack of courtesy.)
- The waiter's discourteous attitude ruined our dining experience. (The waiter's impolite manner was offensive.)
- She received a discourteous response from the customer service representative. (The response was rude and unhelpful.)
Advanced Usage
In a comparative/superlative form: Used to compare levels of impoliteness.
- His behavior grew even more discourteous as the meeting progressed.
- That was the most discourteous dismissal I have ever witnessed.
As part of a formal assessment: Often used in evaluations or critiques.
- The report noted the discourteous treatment of visitors.
Variants and Related Words
Discourteously (adverb): In a discourteous manner.
- He spoke discourteously to his colleagues.
Discourteousness (noun): The quality or state of being discourteous.
- Her discourteousness was noted by all in attendance.
Synonyms
- Rude: Offensively impolite or ill-mannered.
- Impolitic: Not having or showing good manners.
- Ill-mannered: Having bad manners.
- Ungracious: Not courteous or kindly; not polite.
- Disrespectful: Showing a lack of respect or courtesy.
Antonyms
- Courteous: Polite, respectful, or considerate in manner.
- Polite: Having or showing behavior that is respectful and considerate of other people.
- Mannerly: Well-mannered; polite.
- Respectful: Feeling or showing deference and respect.
Related Phrases and Idioms
A discourteous act: A specific action that shows a lack of courtesy.
- Leaving without saying goodbye was a discourteous act.
Nothing short of discourteous: An emphatic way to say something was completely rude.
- His interruption was nothing short of discourteous.
He was being discourteous by talking loudly on his phone in the quiet library.
Adjective
- lacking social graces
- showing no courtesy; rude
- a distant and at times discourteous young