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politeness

  • a word derived from polite.
    polite
    adjective
    showing good manners toward others, as in behavior, speech, etc.; courteous; civil.

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.

See Examples For:

She didn't usually drink coffee but when the interviewer, a senior civil servant called Christian Nègre, offered her one, she agreed out of politeness.

From BBC Aug. 19, 2026

There is a kind of professional politeness that demands we discuss each case in isolation so no one has to say aloud what the cumulative pattern reveals.

From Slate May 8, 2026

In today’s coarsened climate, fretting about rules of politeness seems futile.

From The Wall Street Journal Mar. 23, 2026

Out of politeness, you extend this assumption even if you’ve seen the teller sprint for the sofa at family gatherings when the time comes to clear the table or grab a broom.

From Salon Jan. 14, 2026

She had no gift for small perturbations, mean-spirited resentments, concealed envies, works of charity, faded endearments, ordinary friendly politeness, or day-to-day acts of kindness.

From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende