Basic Details
Word: Discourteous
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Not showing proper respect; rude.
Synonyms: Rude, impolite, disrespectful
Antonyms: Polite, courteous, respectful
Idioms and Phrases
- To be short with someone: To respond to someone in a rude or abrupt manner. Example: "She was short with him when he interrupted her while speaking."
- Put your foot in your mouth: To say something embarrassing or rude, especially without intending to. Example: "I really put my foot in my mouth when I asked her when she was due, not realising she wasn't pregnant."
Usage Examples
Example 1: His discourteous remarks during the meeting made everyone uncomfortable.
Example 2: It is discourteous to interrupt someone while they are speaking.
Example 3: The discourteous behaviour of the customer shocked the staff at the restaurant.
Fun Fact
The word "discourteous" comes from the roots of "court," which refers to the royal court. In the past, to be courteous meant to behave well in the presence of royalty, while being discourteous meant the opposite not showing respect or good manners.
Famous Quote
"Politeness is the flower of humanity." Joseph Joubert
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "discourteous" mean?
a) Showing kindness
b) Not showing proper respect
c) Being very friendly
d) Being helpful
Answer: b) Not showing proper respect
2. Which of these is a synonym of "discourteous"?
a) Respectful
b) Polite
c) Rude
d) Kind
Answer: c) Rude
3. What is the opposite of "discourteous"?
a) Rude
b) Impolite
c) Polite
d) Disrespectful
Answer: c) Polite
4. Which sentence uses "discourteous" correctly?
a) He was very discourteous by holding the door open for her.
b) Her discourteous comments showed a lack of respect.
c) It was discourteous of him to thank everyone generously.
d) She felt discourteous when she smiled at people.
Answer: b) Her discourteous comments showed a lack of respect.
5. What does the idiom "put your foot in your mouth" mean?
a) To say something polite
b) To say something embarrassing or rude
c) To dance around happily
d) To eat without using hands
Answer: b) To say something embarrassing or rude
