politesse

[pol-i-tes, paw-lee-tes]

noun

1. formal politeness; courtesy.

politesse

/ ˌpɒlɪˈtɛs /

noun

1. formal or genteel politeness

Word History and Origins

Origin of politesse¹

1710–20; < French: originally clean or polished state < Italian politezza, variant of pulitezza (derivative of polito polite )

Word History and Origins

Origin of politesse¹

C18: via French from Italian politezza, ultimately from Latin polīre to _polish

Example Sentences

When the vast majority of characters in the franchise behave respectfully, the Emperor’s lack of politesse is a breath of fresh air.

From Los Angeles Times

"I think when politesse is in conflict with the truth, I choose the truth," he said.

From BBC

But Lorraine's politesse has limits, as a pair of Minnesota’s finest find when they pay a visit to her office to inquire about her daughter-in-law’s connection to a North Dakota crime.

From Salon

Nervous laughter erupted from the friendly audience as two South Carolinians seeking the Republican presidential nomination finally shed the shared Southern politesse that had kept them from attacking each other on the campaign trail.

From New York Times

The background to all of this politesse, as the French newspapers made clear, was about nurturing a relationship that might have been strained by Brexit.

From BBC