Courtesy vs. Respect — What's the Difference?

Courtesy (from the word courteis, from the 12th century) is gentle politeness and courtly manners. In the Middle Ages in Europe, the behaviour expected of the nobility was compiled in courtesy books.

Respect, also called esteem, is a positive feeling or action shown towards someone or something considered important or held in high esteem or regard. It conveys a sense of admiration for good or valuable qualities.

The showing of politeness in one's attitude and behaviour towards others

A feeling of appreciative, often deferential regard; esteem

A curtsy.

The state of being regarded with honor or esteem

Polite behavior.

Consideration or appreciation

A polite gesture or remark.

Due regard for something considered important or authoritative

Consent or agreement in spite of fact; indulgence

A particular aspect, feature, or detail

Willingness or generosity in providing something needed

Usage Problem Relation; reference. See Usage Note at regard.

Given or done as a polite gesture

To feel or show deferential regard for; esteem or admire

Free of charge

To avoid interfering with or intruding upon

(uncountable) Polite behavior.

To avoid violating

(countable) A polite gesture or remark, especially as opposed to an obligation or standard practice.

To relate or refer to; concern

(uncountable) Consent or agreement in spite of fact; indulgence.

(uncountable) an attitude of consideration or high regard

(uncountable) Willingness or generosity in providing something needed.

(uncountable) good opinion, honor, or admiration

A curtsey.

Polite greetings, often offered as condolences after a death.

(law) The life interest that the surviving husband has in the real or heritable estate of his wife.

(countable) a particular aspect, feature or detail of something

Alternative form of curtsey

Good will; favor

Given or done as a polite gesture.

To have respect for.

Supplied free of charge.

To have regard for something, to observe a custom, practice, rule or right.

Politeness; civility; urbanity; courtliness.

To abide by an agreement.

An act of civility or respect; an act of kindness or favor performed with politeness.

To take notice of; to regard as worthy of special consideration; to heed.

Favor or indulgence, as distinguished from right; as, a title given one by courtesy.

To relate to; to be concerned with.

An act of civility, respect, or reverence, made by women, consisting of a slight depression or dropping of the body, with bending of the knees.

(obsolete) To regard; to consider; to deem.

To make a respectful salutation or movement of respect; esp. (with reference to women), to bow the body slightly, with bending of the knes.

(obsolete) To look toward; to face.

To treat with civility.

(Jamaica) hello, hi

A courteous or respectful or considerate act

To take notice of; to regard with special attention; to regard as worthy of special consideration; hence, to care for; to heed.

A courteous or respectful or considerate remark

To consider worthy of esteem; to regard with honor.

A courteous manner

To look toward; to front upon or toward.

To regard; to consider; to deem.

To have regard to; to have reference to; to relate to; as, the treaty particularly respects our commerce.

The act of noticing with attention; the giving particular consideration to; hence, care; caution.

Esteem; regard; consideration; honor.

An expression of respect of deference; regards; as, to send one's respects to another.

Reputation; repute.

Particular; point regarded; point of view; as, in this respect; in any respect; in all respects.

Relation; reference; regard.

Consideration; motive; interest.

(usually preceded by `in') a detail or point;

The condition of being honored (esteemed or respected or well regarded);

An attitude of admiration or esteem;

A courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard;

Behavior intended to please your parents;

A feeling of friendship and esteem;

Courteous regard for people's feelings;

Regard highly; think much of;

Show respect towards;