polite

1 of 2

adjective

po·​lite pə-ˈlīt 

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

politely adverb

politeness noun

politeness

2 of 2

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

Synonyms of polite

Adjective

• gracious
• civil
• thoughtful
• courteous
• respectful

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of polite in a Sentence

Adjective

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 on the Web

Adjective

The service Service is polite and extremely friendly. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 June 2026

Welker’s follow-ups were both polite and squarely within the bounds of a presidential interview. —Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026

Also, the Ambassador encouraged him to double his efforts and represent his country in a polite, professional and high ethics. —Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026

Debates and joint appearances have mostly been polite. —Tony Aiello, CBS News, 9 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

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

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1500, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing polite

• in polite company
• in polite society/company
• polite speech

Rhymes for polite

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight

Kids Definition

polite

adjective

po·​lite pə-ˈlīt 

politer; politest

1

: showing good taste or training : refined

polite society

polite forms of address

2

: showing consideration and courtesy : courteous

politely adverb

politeness noun