politeness

noun

po·​lite·​ness

plural -es

1

: the quality or state of being polite: such as

a

archaic : mental polish : intellectual culture or refinement : elegance and good taste (as in a literary work)

renowned for the politeness of the character and editions of what he has published

—John Evelyn

b

: polished or refined manners : courteous or socially correct behavior

politeness mustn't be mistaken for civility

—Richard Joseph

the art of chill and consummate politeness

—Arnold Bennett

politeness forbade they should contradict him

—Samuel Lover

2

: a polite act or statement act

the old man, with many politenesses … led him

—New Yorker

cutting politenesses out of telegrams

—Arnold Bennett

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