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.
At both events I found myself politely pushing back against assertions that America is best understood as a “creedal nation” and that the Declaration is the definitive statement of the American creed.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 6, 2026
Other kindly ushers, who had directed people to an adjacent section after Section 535 filled up, politely asked everyone to please put their shirts back on before returning to the general stadium population.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026
“Skydive Perris offers its sincerest condolences to the individual’s family and politely asks for privacy as we mourn together as a community,” according to the statement.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026
Staying in the audience, he went over to her in her seat, while she made him repeat his request, more politely each time.
From BBC • May 10, 2026
I politely look away, admiring the potted plants lined up along the edge of her desk.
From "The Sea in Winter" by Christine Day
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.
