polite
[puh-lahyt]
- showing good manners toward others, as in behavior, speech, etc.; courteous; civil: a polite reply.
- refined or cultured: polite society.
- of a refined or elegant kind: polite learning.
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Origin of polite
Synonyms
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comAntonyms
1, 2. rude.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for politeness
Contemporary Examples
Humor, blue eyes, and Midwestern politeness: what more could the ladies (and a good portion of the men) of New York want?
The Captain’s Log: Derek Jeter’s Lady-Killing Past, From ‘Yeah, Jeets!’ to Gift BasketsEmily Shire
September 28, 2014
Until of course even they reach the limit of their politeness.
He parried every question and implication that Wallace threw at him with equanimity, humility, politeness, and even humor.
Used as a humorously exaggerated formula of politeness when refusing food.
Wunnerfitz! Sollybuster! The Fun of the Dictionary of American Regional EnglishAmmon Shea
April 12, 2012
In a later scene when Smiley interrogates Haydon, they never break through the barrier of politeness.
‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’: Oscar Nominees Gary Oldman and Peter StraughanLorenza Muñoz
February 15, 2012
Historical Examples
You'd better not tell him so, or he might give you a lesson in politeness.
Brave and BoldHoratio Alger
"Don't let me detain you," said Halbert, with an elaborate share of politeness.
Brave and BoldHoratio Alger
He was as indefatigable in politeness, as his wife had been in her regimental duties.
But Mr. Hand, flattered by her politeness, begged her to remain.
The Raid From Beausejour; And How The Carter Boys Lifted The MortgageCharles G. D. Roberts
How you oppress me, my dearest friend, with your politeness!
Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9)Samuel Richardson
polite
- showing regard for others, in manners, speech, behaviour, etc; courteous
- cultivated or refinedpolite society
- elegant or polishedpolite letters
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Word Origin
C15: from Latin polītus polished; see polish
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for politeness
polite
adj.
late 14c., "polished, burnished" (mid-13c. as a surname), from Latin politus "refined, elegant, accomplished," literally "polished," past participle of polire "to polish, to make smooth" (see polish (v.)). Used literally at first in English; sense of "elegant, cultured" is first recorded c.1500, that of "behaving courteously" is 1748 (implied in politely). Related: Politeness.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper