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.
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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.
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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.
Politely worded signs in Japanese and English ask people to take their trash home.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 1, 2026
Politely passing on a chance to help the public make sense of a story that still doesn’t add up, Ohtani bowed and slipped out of the room.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2024
"Politely, of course," he cheekily adds, "because we're also, you know, rich passengers in the first class area of the Titanic."
From Salon • Feb. 5, 2023
"Politely, but firmly, I will say "no"," she added.
From Reuters • Dec. 11, 2021
Politely, Powell holds up the medicine vial and swears that Dr. Verdi told him to deliver it to William Seward and William Seward only.
From "Lincoln's Last Days: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever" by Bill O'Reilly
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.
