polite
po·lite
adjective \pə-ˈlīt\po·lit·erpo·lit·est
Definition of POLITE
1
a : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of advanced culture b : marked by refined cultural interests and pursuits especially in arts and belles lettres
2
a : showing or characterized by correct social usage b : marked by an appearance of consideration, tact, deference, or courtesy c : marked by a lack of roughness or crudities <polite literature>
— po·lite·ly adverb
— po·lite·ness noun
Examples of POLITE
- It was polite of him to hold the door for them.
- Please be polite to the guests.
- It isn't polite to interrupt people when they're talking.
- She received some polite applause despite the mistakes in her performance.
Origin of POLITE
Middle English (Scots) polit, Latin politus, from past participle of polire
First Known Use: 15th century
Related to POLITE
- Antonyms
- discourteous, ill-bred, ill-mannered, impolite, inconsiderate, mannerless, rude, thoughtless, uncivil, ungenteel, ungracious, unmannered, unmannerly
See Synonym Discussion at civil
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