Synonyms for courtly
- adjective
Most common
Synonyms by meaning
Adjective
1. Dignified — befitting of a royal court; reflecting the manners or behaviour of people at court; stately, rich or fine…
dignified, aristocratic, genteel, refined, elegant, graceful, gallant, polite, well-mannered, courteous, polished, mannerly, gracious
2. Formal
3. Obsequious — overly eager to please or obey
Definitions
- adj. 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.
The troubadours sang songs about courtly love.
- adj. 2
Overly eager to please or obey.
- adj. 3
Of or relating to courtly love or courtship.
Related words
- Word family
- courtlily courtliness courteous
Choose the right word
Courtly suggests that which befits a royal court, and is used of external grace and stateliness without reference to the prompting feeling; as, the courtly manners of the ambassador.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- refined We cater to you, the customer with refined taste.
- dignified The lady's behaviour was always dignified.
- aristocratic His dress somehow gives an aristocratic impression.
- genteel Oh, how genteel and gallant men are when they want something from a poor woman!
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| courtly | rising | |
| refined | steady | |
| dignified | steady | |
| aristocratic | rising | |
| genteel | rising |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 6 letters
- formal2, polite2
- 7 letters
- elegant3, refined2, gallant2, stately2, genteel2, servile2
- 8 letters
- polished2, gracious2, graceful2, mannerly
- 9 letters
- dignified3, courteous3
- 10 letters
- flattering3, obsequious4
- 11 letters
- ceremonious
- 12 letters
- aristocratic5
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (formal2 = 2 syllables).