politely

[ puh-lahyt-lee ]

adverb

1. in a way that shows good manners toward others; courteously:

   The bar is extremely busy, so the ability to work efficiently and politely under pressure is essential.

   Although the coaches encouraged him to try out for the team, he politely declined and went back to his books.

2. in a way that shows refinement, consideration, or elegance:

   The goal is politely described as "optimistic" by the auditors; privately, most observers view it as total fantasy.

   The artist’s journals start politely—small watercolors and writing fill the early pages, but by the end they are overflowing and untameable.

Other Words From

• su·per·po·lite·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of politely¹

polite ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

She politely passes as she’s participating in a couple of events for her film later in the day.

From Los Angeles Times

What’s scary is not what Reed has in store for them, but how these young women already know how to placate and navigate a Bad Man, how to “politely wrap this up.”

From Los Angeles Times

A strutting psych-blues jam with visions of “great cities that toppled and drowned,” it’s a highlight from the Pink Floyd veteran’s strong new solo album, “Luck and Strange” — and one of the latter-day cuts his fans will politely nod their heads to a few hours from now between beloved oldies such as “Wish You Were Here” and “Comfortably Numb.”

From Los Angeles Times

I said, politely, “You snooze, you lose.”

From Los Angeles Times

Some people, she said, when they see she’s been endorsed by Planned Parenthood politely decline a conversation.

From Salon

Related Words

• amiably
• attentively
• cordially
• gently
• graciously
• kindly
• respectfully
• tactfully