politely
Americanadverb
-
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
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.
Sinclair said he tried to explain "politely" that his kippah was not illegal but was taken into detention and driven by police car to the police station.
From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026
Would you not politely take them aside and ask them if they’re going through something, and how you can help?
From Salon • Apr. 20, 2026
“They politely came and just told me, just, ‘Would you come with us?’
From Slate • Apr. 19, 2026
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
Sadako thanked her mother politely, but she didn’t care about a kimono.
From "Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes" by Eleanor Coerr
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.
