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.
Other Word Forms
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.
I didn’t get to speak with Steinem for my project—her office politely declined due to her schedule, which even in her late 80s was packed to the brim.
From Slate ● Sep. 3, 2026
He admits he wrote to an associate choreographer asking if there was a solution — possibly making them from plastic foam — and was politely reminded that they would be lighted on fire.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 19, 2026
I politely ask Mr. Zuckerberg and the other hyperscalers to start drilling their own natural-gas wells.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 3, 2026
The woman, who was running the shop with her teenage daughter, politely suggests his comments are "slightly derogatory".
From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026
Nhamo had no idea what a nation was, but she listened politely.
From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer
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.
