polite

civil, polite, courteous, gallant, chivalrous mean observant of the forms required by good breeding. civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness.

• • owed the questioner a civil reply

polite commonly implies polish of speech and manners and sometimes suggests an absence of cordiality.

• • if you can't be pleasant, at least be polite

courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness.

• • clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

gallant and chivalrous imply courteous attentiveness especially to women. gallant suggests spirited and dashing behavior and ornate expressions of courtesy.

• • a gallant suitor of the old school

chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior.

• • a chivalrous display of duty