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courtly

[kawrt-lee, kohrt-] / ˈkɔrt li, ˈkoʊrt- /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mr. Pence is courtly, and chivalrous perhaps to a fault.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

Amir Khusrau, an Indo-Persian poet who documented courtly life during the reign of Alauddin Khalji and Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, mentioned two types of naans in his writings - naan-e-tanuk and naan-i-tanuri.

From BBC • Dec. 29, 2025

The courtly gentleman guided women around the floor to big band standards with all the aplomb of teenage boys waltzing at a cotillion dance they’ve been forced to attend by their parents.

From Salon • Jul. 4, 2025

Best of all is the lively triple-time finale, which evokes the long history of courtly hunting music, with an alluring short section in minor key.

From New York Times • May 9, 2024

It was a flattering bow, courtly without being ridiculously formal, and safe for a public setting such as this.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss




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