Standard Lemma guide

courtly

adj · adv · 6 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • UK: /ˈkɔːtli/
  • US: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • US: /ˈkɔɹtli/
  • rhymes with -ɔː(ɹ)tli
  • CMU ARPABET: K AO1 R T L IY0 Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.

1

adj

Meaning 1

Befitting of a royal court; reflecting the manners or behaviour of people at court; stately, rich or fine, and so suitable for a royal court.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • He swept off his hat and made a deep courtly bow.
  • The troubadours sang songs about courtly love.
  • courtly furniture

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: refined, dignified, genteel, well-mannered

Antonyms: none provided

2

adj

Meaning 2

Of or relating to courtly love or courtship.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: broadly

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

adj

Meaning 3

Of or relating to a royal court.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • She tried to remain aloof from courtly intrigues.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

adj

Meaning 4

Overly eager to please or obey.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: obsolete

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: flattering, obsequious, servile

Antonyms: none provided

5

adv

Meaning 5

In the manner of a royal court; in a manner befitting of a royal court.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • 1766, Elizabeth Griffith, The Double Mistake, London: J. Almon et al., Act I, Scene 3, p. 12, Very courtly and correctly spoken on all sides, my lord;

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: courtlily

Antonyms: none provided

6

adjective satellite

Meaning 6

refined or imposing in manner or appearance; befitting a royal court

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • a courtly gentleman

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: formal, stately

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From Middle English courtly, equivalent to court + -ly.

Across languages

Translations

7 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Dutch: hoofs — Of or befitting of a royal court
  • Finnish: hovi- — Of or befitting of a royal court
  • French: courtois — Of or befitting of a royal court
  • German: höfisch — Of or befitting of a royal court
  • Polish: dworski — Of or befitting of a royal court
  • Portuguese: cortês — Of or befitting of a royal court
  • Swedish: hövisk — Of or befitting of a royal court