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View synonyms for polite

polite

[ puh-lahyt ]

adjective

, po·lit·er, po·lit·est.
  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



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Derived Forms

  • poˈliteness, noun
  • poˈlitely, adverb

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Other Words From

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

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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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of polite1

C15: from Latin polītus polished; see polish

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Synonym Study

See civil.

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Example Sentences

And so he looked at her, smiled, and offered a polite “Is everything okay?”

There was nothing polite about them and nobody's parents approved.

Wilson would later tell the grand jury that he had been only polite and Brown had responded with the F word.

They were delicate, they were long, they were polite, and they were long.

Sure, Hall could have been more polite and subtle in his mission.

She would have liked to answer that it was Mademoiselle who had got in her way; but Mother wished her to be always polite.

The two men plunged into discussion, and Isabel, her eyes expressing a polite interest, studied the face of her cousin.

He thought nothing of it now, when she nodded in her polite little way, and opened the door for herself.

Presently he rose and left the table with a polite bow that included both the others.

I am not afraid of being crushed, for no doubt you would always remember to be polite, if not considerate.

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Politburopolit. econ.