polite

[puh-lahyt]

adjective

politer, politest 

1. showing good manners toward others, as in behavior, speech, etc.; courteous; civil.

   a polite reply.

   Synonyms: gracious, well-bred
   Antonyms: rude

2. refined or cultured.

   polite society.

   Synonyms: cultivated, courtly, poised, polished, urbane

3. of a refined or elegant kind.

   polite learning.

polite

/ pəˈlaɪt /

adjective

1. showing regard for others, in manners, speech, behaviour, etc; courteous

2. cultivated or refined

   polite society

3. elegant or polished

   polite letters

Other Word Forms

• politeness noun
• politely adverb
• superpolite adjective
• superpoliteness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of polite¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin polītus, past participle of polīre “to polish”; polish

Word History and Origins

Origin of polite¹

C15: from Latin polītus polished; see _polish

Synonym Study

See civil.

Example Sentences

That name is more likely to elicit polite recognition than the ecstatic nostalgia Oasis still inspires.

From Los Angeles Times

Wearing suits and green ties, the players were following the edict of their coach to act classy and be thankful and polite.

From Los Angeles Times

Locals in the town have told journalists that the father of two was kind and polite, but then, during the Covid pandemic, his behaviour became erratic and his views more extreme.

From BBC

One said: "It should be banned, definitely. It is not polite to anyone else when you are sat on the Tube in the morning and someone is playing music. That's horrendous. It is not comfortable."

From BBC

The jury’s still out on whether the term can be considered offensive, and it’s already found its way into polite society.

From Salon

Related Words

• affable 
• amiable 
• attentive 
• civil 
• conciliatory 
• considerate 
• cordial 
• courteous 
• courtly 
• deferential 
• diplomatic 
• friendly 
• genteel 
• gentle 
• good-natured 
• gracious 
• neighborly 
• pleasant 
• respectful 
• sociable