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

Derived Forms

• poˈliteness, noun
• poˈlitely, adverb

Other Word Forms

• po·lite·ly adverb
• po·lite·ness noun
• su·per·po·lite· adjective
• su·per·po·lite·ness 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

Haughty, hypocritical Dingley, she fears, won’t want anything to do with the family once this scandal goes viral, which in the Regency period translates into a wildfire of whispering throughout polite society.

From Los Angeles Times

They’re the contrarian at the party who delights in puncturing polite shibboleths, unafraid to take on even their own tribes in pursuit of a deeper truth.

From Los Angeles Times

True to their stereotype, Canadians have remained scrupulously polite to the American expats interviewed for this story, but there have been some awkward moments.

From Los Angeles Times

Manager Brad Lee said customers had mostly been polite about the increase but added there had been "a few shocked faces".

From BBC

"They always come and say hello, they're polite. These are the sort of people we want on our trains."

From BBC

Related Words

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