politely
Americanadverb
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in a way that shows good manners toward others; courteously.
The bar is extremely busy, so the ability to work efficiently and politely under pressure is essential.
Although the coaches encouraged him to try out for the team, he politely declined and went back to his books.
-
in a way that shows refinement, consideration, or elegance.
The goal is politely described as "optimistic" by the auditors; privately, most observers view it as total fantasy.
The artist’s journals start politely—small watercolors and writing fill the early pages, but by the end they are overflowing and untameable.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of politely
Vocabulary lists containing politely
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Countries didn’t politely wait for their usual grade.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 21, 2026
Crackers have spent enough time under cheese, beside soup, tucked politely next to salads and dips.
From Salon ● Jul. 14, 2026
At both events I found myself politely pushing back against assertions that America is best understood as a “creedal nation” and that the Declaration is the definitive statement of the American creed.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 6, 2026
The court heard they had been involved in a relationship, but Jean had "politely" ended it.
From BBC ● Jun. 30, 2026
“Fine, thanks,” I say as politely as I can.
From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
