Courtly and Formal

Courtly

Courtly adjective - Refined or imposing in manner or appearance; befitting a royal court.
Usage example: a courtly gentleman

Formal is a synonym for courtly in courtesy topic. In some cases you can use "Formal" instead an adjective "Courtly", when it comes to topics like polite, ceremonious, refined manner. popular alternative

Formal

Formal adjective - Marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details.
Usage example: gave her a formal invitation to dinner

Courtly is a synonym for formal in courtesy topic. You can use "Courtly" instead an adjective "Formal", if it concerns topics such as stately. popular alternative

Cite this Source
Formal and Courtly. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/courtly/formal
Courtly & Formal. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/courtly/formal>.
Formal or Courtly. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/courtly/formal.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "courtly" and "formal" have occurred on timeline