politely
Americanadverb
-
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.
Other Word Forms
- superpolitely adverb
Etymology
Origin of 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.
Invited to comment on Rayner's remarks to Tuesday night's gathering, Downing Street politely declined.
From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026
When Towriss first made inquiries about a possible expansion, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali politely brushed him off.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026
"These conditions don't just coexist politely," Gaffey says.
From Science Daily • Mar. 1, 2026
The first is to detach with love — that is, politely and kindly, and with no explanations or blame.
From MarketWatch • Feb. 25, 2026
While Roz spoke, Sprinkles nodded politely and said things like “Oh my” and “Is that right?” and “You don’t say!”
From "The Wild Robot Escapes" by Peter Brown
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.
