polite
Americanadjective
adjective
-
showing regard for others, in manners, speech, behaviour, etc; courteous
-
cultivated or refined
polite society
-
elegant or polished
polite letters
Synonym Usage
See civil.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of polite
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin polītus, past participle of polīre “to polish”; see polish
Explanation
Polite means showing regards for others in manners, speech, and behavior. Since you are a polite dinner guest, you thank the host for inviting you and, even though you think the chicken is not cooked to perfection, you tell her you are enjoying the meal. The adjective polite comes from the mid-13th century Latin politus, which means "refined" or "elegant." Showing consideration for others, using tact, and observing social norms are the qualities of being polite. The opposite of polite is rude. Because the poet E.E. Cummings thought imagination is most important, he wrote, “Knowledge is a polite word for dead but not buried imagination.”
Vocabulary lists containing polite
Real Nice!
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Kids Like Me: Voices of the Immigrant Experience"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
See Examples For:
I don’t like a polite amount, at least 25 grams per person.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 1, 2026
They’re polite, but understandably eager for the day to be over; already thinking about a few hours from now when they’ll meet “Al and El” and others for dinner at Chateau Marmont.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 26, 2026
Despite the polite crowd at my screening, I wondered if questionable theater etiquette came into play elsewhere.
From Salon ● Oct. 22, 2026
They’re banking, literally and figuratively, on you being polite.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 19, 2026
“Miss Two Legs? Why, that is not a very polite form of address,” Penelope mumbled in reply.
From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood
An 18-year-old woman said ghosting was “a little bit politer way to reject someone than to directly say, ‘I do not want to chat with you.’
From Washington Post ● Jul. 25, 2022
And the video has so many star cameos it feels like a politer version of that misbegotten cover of “Imagine.”
From Slate ● Jun. 12, 2020
They wield illusory credits and debits, pecuniary symbols of wealth, all the better to club their opponents into a politer businesslike submission.
From Salon ● Jan. 29, 2019
She admires various classical and modern dancers and choreographers and works, but her own dancers enact a brash and pitiless system of movement that disdains and subverts politer forms.
From The New Yorker ● Jun. 22, 2015
It seemed politer to sit still and to speak when he was spoken to.
From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White
The 20-year-old said she had only positive interactions with some of the men who live at the hotel, who she describes as "the politest people".
From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2025
“The politest way is to enlist the aid of the flight attendants,” says Jodi RR Smith, an etiquette consultant.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 26, 2024
When confronted about these statements by a reporter, McCain defended the use of the term, saying it was the politest term he could think of.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 30, 2021
Then, of course, there is my politest critic.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 2, 2019
"Good afternoon," I say in my politest voice.
From "Born Behind Bars" by Padma Venkatraman
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions 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.
