polite

[ puh-lahyt ]

/ pəˈlaɪt /

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See synonyms for: polite / politely / politeness on Thesaurus.com

adjective, po·lit·er, po·lit·est.

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.

OTHER WORDS FOR polite

1 well-bred, gracious.

2 urbane, polished, poised, courtly, cultivated.

See synonyms for polite on Thesaurus.com

OPPOSITES FOR polite

1 rude.

See antonyms for polite on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of polite

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin polītus, past participle of polīre “to polish”; see polish

synonym study for polite

1. See civil.

OTHER WORDS FROM polite

po·lite·ly, adverbpo·lite·ness, nounsu·per·po·lite·, adjectivesu·per·po·lite·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use polite in a sentence

According to the politest version, the Cossacks replied: Thou Turkish Devil!
Cossacks: The Cowboys of Crimea|Kamil Tchorek|March 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Carl hesitated, so Louise in her politest manner inquired for the lady of the house.
The Story of the Big Front Door|Mary Finley Leonard
They paused a moment when they reached the corner; then Ikey, with his politest bow, left her and crossed the street.
The Story of the Big Front Door|Mary Finley Leonard
The Court of Bavaria is without dispute the most gallant, and the politest in Germany.
The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de Pollnitz, Volume I|Karl Ludwig von Pllnitz

It will appear in to-day's Moniteur, and there will also be published a reply from M. de Rigny in the politest terms.
Memoirs of the Duchesse de Dino v.1/3, 1831-1835|Dorothy Duchesse de Dino
"Good-night," said the little man, slipping through the door that was held open for him with the politest alacrity.
After Dark|Wilkie Collins

British Dictionary definitions for polite

polite

/ (pəˈlaɪt) /

adjective

showing regard for others, in manners, speech, behaviour, etc; courteous

cultivated or refinedpolite society

elegant or polishedpolite letters

Derived forms of polite

politely, adverbpoliteness, noun

Word Origin for polite

C15: from Latin polītus polished; see polish

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

polite

OTHER WORDS FOR polite

OPPOSITES FOR polite

Origin of polite

synonym study for polite

OTHER WORDS FROM polite

Words related to polite

How to use polite in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for polite

Derived forms of polite

Word Origin for polite