polite

adjective po·lite \ pə-ˈlīt \

|Updated on: 17 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: polite in a Sentence

Definition of polite

politer; politest

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

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politely

adverb

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politeness

noun

See polite defined for English-language learners

See polite defined for kids

Examples of polite in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples of polite from the Web

In a confrontation that was almost awkwardly polite, Nia Jax approached Rousey during an interview with Cathy Kelley.

— nick schwartz, For The Win, "WWE is already giving Ronda Rousey a title shot," 15 May 2018
Anthony was sweet and polite, and an amazing piano player.

— lisa deaderick, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Finding the courage to follow her dream," 13 May 2018
Though really, this shouldn’t be shocking, considering being polite, kind and helpful are all key tenants to good southern hospitality.

— stacey leasca, Southern Living, "This Southern City is the Most Hospitable, According to Airbnb," 9 May 2018
He neither commands nor demands recognition, soft-spoken, polite, deferential to stars in a league of stars.

— ira winderman, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Rodney McGruder stands as Heat playoff safety net," 5 Apr. 2018
This is not only because women are expected to be more polite than men, Ms Byrne suggests, but also because swearing tends to be associated with sexuality.

— The Economist, "Foul playThe power of profane language," 25 Jan. 2018
Follow these guidelines to ensure your social media conduct is polite, meaningful, and reflects basic human decency. 1.

— jessica leigh mattern, Country Living, "10 Facebook Etiquette Rules You Should Always Follow," 24 July 2017
Rialto police say the department’s response was polite and brief.

— deepti hajela, BostonGlobe.com, "Bob Marley’s granddaughter wants accountability for police stop," 10 May 2018
There’s a lot to be gained by being polite as the world burns.

— jennifer wright, Harper's BAZAAR, "Michelle Wolf Is a Hero," 30 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'polite.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of polite

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1500

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

polite Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of 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.