polite

[ puh-lahyt ]
See synonyms for: politepolitelypoliteness on Thesaurus.com

adjective,po·lit·er, po·lit·est.
  1. showing good manners toward others, as in behavior, speech, etc.; courteous; civil: a polite reply.

  2. refined or cultured: polite society.

  1. of a refined or elegant kind: polite learning.

Origin of polite

1
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin polītus, past participle of polīre “to polish”; see polish

synonym study For polite

1. See civil.

Other words for polite

Opposites for polite

Other words from polite

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

Words Nearby polite

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How to use polite in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for polite

polite

/ (pəˈlaɪt) /


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

  2. cultivated or refined: polite society

  1. elegant or polished: polite letters

Origin of polite

1
C15: from Latin polītus polished; see polish

Derived forms of polite

  • politely, adverb
  • politeness, noun

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