Synonyms

politely

American

[puh-lahyt-lee] / pəˈlaɪt li /

adverb

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

superpolitely adverb

Etymology

Origin of politely

polite ( def. ) + -ly

Vocabulary lists containing politely

List 4

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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.

Alana Anisio Rosa, 20, politely turned down the man from her gym who kept sending her flowers and chocolates.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Invited to comment on Rayner's remarks to Tuesday night's gathering, Downing Street politely declined.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

When this happens, I nod politely but think to myself: “You’re wrong.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 6, 2026

Horning said he listened politely, not entirely sure what they were getting at.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

I smile politely as I move to stand next to her.

From "A Soft Place to Land" by Janae Marks

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023