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 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>

synonyms see civil

— po·lite·ly adverb

— po·lite·ness noun