politely

[ puh-lahyt-lee ]

/ pəˈlaɪt li /

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See synonyms for politely on Thesaurus.com

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.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of politely

polite + -ly

OTHER WORDS FROM politely

su·per·po·lite·ly, adverb

Words nearby politely

Polish wheat, polit., Politburo, polite, polit. econ., politely, politesse, Politian, politic, political, political action committees

How to use politely in a sentence

It’s a collection of pained smiles, whispered comments and polite avoidance that saps their confidence and poisons their spirit.
Simon Han’s ‘Nights When Nothing Happened’ is a poignant study of the immigrant experience|Ron Charles|November 30, 2020|Washington Post
What I highly recommend is that you be genuine, polite, and kind when reaching out to your experts.
Simple guide to creating an expert roundup post that drives website traffic|Ivan Ambrocio|November 26, 2020|Search Engine Watch
People were polite but wouldn’t look her in the eye, she said.
Junior Staffer Says Top Alaska Official Told Her to Keep Allegations of Misconduct Secret|by Kyle Hopkins, Anchorage Daily News|November 18, 2020|ProPublica
His show, and the way he hosted it, proved that polite order can be more fascinating than brute chaos.
In the dumbest and darkest of times, Alex Trebek maintained a safe space for intelligence|Hank Stuever|November 8, 2020|Washington Post

I called up my friends at ARB, who patiently listened while I described what I was planning, then told me in more polite words that I was crazy.
Inside My Custom Toyota Land Cruiser Build|Wes Siler|October 15, 2020|Outside Online
From behind a curtain, Trudeau is politely coaching the actors through the scene, encouraging them to go bigger.
Inside the Political Fun House: How ‘Alpha House’ Became Amazon’s First Big Hit|Kevin Fallon|October 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
After politely considering the idea, Stewart declined, the magazine reported.
Jon Stewart and 'Meet The Press' Would Have Been One Unhappy Marriage|Lloyd Grove|October 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Demurely they poured drinks and politely tried to speak English.
Bar-Hopping With the Kyoto Geisha|Liza Foreman|September 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Step away politely, apologise profusely, and find a taxi, pronto.
Does California’s College Rape Bill Go Too Far In Regulating Sex?|Emma Woolf|June 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
We are now in day six of our on-air spring membership drive for WPNQ, and we really have to —politely!
How to Survive a Public Radio Membership Drive|Kelly Williams Brown|May 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Being a mild sort of person, Mr. Meadow Mouse thanked Mrs. Robin politely, both for the message and for the advice.p.
The Tale of Grandfather Mole|Arthur Scott Bailey
A French gentleman, surprised at the animal's rapid retreat, politely asked Mr. Sims what could be the cause.
The Book of Anecdotes and Budget of Fun;|Various
Garnache assured him very briefly, and none too politely that he did not intend to prove of any excessive amiability.
St. Martin's Summer|Rafael Sabatini
Being politely requested, at the foot of a tremendous hill, to ease the horses.
The Portsmouth Road and Its Tributaries|Charles G. Harper
Frivolity enveloped the company as with a silken veil, and yet everything moved as politely and as sedately as a minuet.
Skipper Worse|Alexander Lange Kielland