polite

po·lite

adj \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

1. It was polite of him to hold the door for them.
2. Please be polite to the guests.
3. It isn't polite to interrupt people when they're talking.
4. 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

Synonyms: civil, courteous, genteel, gracious, mannerly, well-bred

Antonyms: discourteous, ill-bred, ill-mannered, impolite, inconsiderate, mannerless, rude, thoughtless, uncivil, ungenteel, ungracious, unmannered, unmannerly

Related Words: attentive, careful, considerate, nice, solicitous, thoughtful; chivalrous, civilized, courtly, gallant, gentlemanlike, gentlemanly, ladylike; ceremonial, ceremonious, red-carpet; couth, formal, smooth, suave, unctuous, urbane; elegant, refined; deferential, dutiful, respectful, submissive, yielding; acceptable, appropriate, becoming, befitting, comme il faut, correct, decent, decorous, fit, fitting, good, meet, proper, respectable, right, seemly, suitable; affable, cordial, friendly, genial, hospitable, pleasant, sociable; felicitous, graceful; demure, humble, meek, modest, unassertive

Near Antonyms: heedless, inconsiderate, thoughtless; audacious, bold, bold-faced, brash, brassy, disrespectful, impertinent, impudent, insolent, lippy, saucy, shameless; boorish, churlish, clodhopping, clownish, loutish, uncouth, vulgar; casual, informal, unceremonious; improper, inappropriate, incorrect, indecent, indecorous, uncalled-for, unrespectable, unseemly; arrogant, conceited, presuming, presumptuous, pretentious

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See Synonym Discussion at civil