How to pronounce courteous
Say it like KUR-tee-us. Courteous has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce courteous. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KUR
- tee
- us
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Courteous pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- teeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- usKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of courteous
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: KUR-tee-us.
What does courteous mean?
- Showing regard or thought for others; especially, displaying good manners or etiquette.“a courteous gentleman a courteous gesture”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying courteous
How do you pronounce courteous?
Say KUR-tee-us. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɝtiəs/. In British English it is /ˈkɜːtiəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in courteous?
Courteous has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUR). Broken into parts: KUR · tee · us.
Is courteous pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈkɜːtiəs/ (KUR-tee-us).