polite

American  

[puh-lahyt] / pəˈlaɪt /

adjective

politer, politest

1. showing good manners toward others, as in behavior, speech, etc.; courteous; civil.

   a polite reply.

   Synonyms:

   gracious, well-bred

   Antonyms:

   rude

2. refined or cultured.

   polite society.

   Synonyms:

   cultivated, courtly, poised, polished, urbane

3. of a refined or elegant kind.

   polite learning.

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polite British  

/ pəˈlaɪt /

adjective

1. showing regard for others, in manners, speech, behaviour, etc; courteous

2. cultivated or refined

   polite society

3. elegant or polished

   polite letters

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Related Words

See civil.

Other Word Forms

• politely adverb
• politeness noun
• superpolite adjective
• superpoliteness noun

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.”

Example Sentences

The polite adieu was apropos for a player some fans considered the show’s nicest ever.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

"If I am polite, I would say the world was not prepared for it. Is it prepared now? I hope so," Bachelet, 74, told reporters after a three-hour hearing before member states.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

A refinery that runs out of crude doesn’t post a polite quarterly loss.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

She described how he had changed from being a "polite, funny little boy" who had liked lots of cuddles to one who gets overwhelmed by crowds.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

"Well," said Sam, looking back at the playground as they went through the door, "I might go down the giraffe slide just one time to be polite."

From "All About Sam" by Lois Lowry

Related Words

• affable
• amiable
• attentive
• civil
• conciliatory
• considerate
• cordial
• courteous
• courtly
• deferential
• diplomatic
• friendly
• genteel
• gentle
• good-natured
• gracious
• neighborly
• pleasant
• respectful
• sociable