Main Entry:

po·lite

Pronunciation:

\pə-ˈlīt\

Function:

adjective

Inflected Form(s):

po·lit·er; po·lit·est

Etymology:

Middle English (Scots) polit, Latin politus, from past participle of polire

Date:

15th century

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 lettres2 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>

synonyms see civil

— po·lite·ly adverb

— po·lite·ness noun