adjective
discourteous
dis-KUR-tee-us/dɪsˈkɜːrtiəs/
Rude or lacking polite consideration for others.
The discourteous man leaves his bag on the other waiting-room seat.
Etymology
Courteous originally described manners associated with a court, where refined behavior was expected. The negative prefix reverses that ideal: someone discourteous lacks the politeness and consideration associated with courtly manners.
In context
the unconcealed, persistent, nervous, and discourteous sarcasm of Porfiry seemed strange to Razumih
More examples
- It is discourteous to interrupt someone who is speaking.
- Her discourteous reply surprises the customer.
- Leaving without thanking your host can seem discourteous.
Forms
discourteous
discourteously adverb — In a rude or inconsiderate manner.
discourtesy noun — Rude behavior or an impolite act.
Similar words
- impolite
- A less formal word for showing poor manners.
- rude
- Often suggests more openly offensive behavior or disrespect.
- inconsiderate
- Emphasizes neglecting others’ needs rather than breaking rules of politeness.