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cortese

polite

adjective kor-TEH-zeh Rare

Origin: From Old French corteis, from cort (court) — originally 'having courtly manners'.

Also means

courteous

Usage Note

Cortese is a single-ending adjective: the plural is cortesi for both genders. It is the standard word for polite or courteous in formal contexts; the related noun is cortesia (courtesy). Not to be confused with the surname Cortese.

Examples

"La receptionist è sempre molto cortese."

Natural Translation

The receptionist is always very polite.

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