politely

[puh-lahyt-lee]

adverb

1. 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.

2. 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of politely¹

polite ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Kyiv politely but firmly pushed back and over several weeks negotiated more equitable terms.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Nile wonders whether the delay has something to do with her young son’s death four years ago, and not politely.

Read more on Salon

“I’m not really good at talking about family stuff,” she says politely but firmly.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The children politely explained that they had slept perfectly well, but that their species was in the midst of going extinct and would soon be no more.

Read more on Literature

There would have been room for Penelope, too, but she politely declined.

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Related Words

• amiably www.thesaurus.com
• attentively 
• cordially 
• gently 
• graciously 
• kindly 
• respectfully www.thesaurus.com
• tactfully www.thesaurus.com