Word forms: comparative politer, superlative politest
1. adjective
Someone who is polite has good manners and behaves in a way that is socially correct and not rude to other people.
Everyone around him was trying to be polite, but you could tell they were all bored.
It's not polite to point or talk about strangers in public.
Gately, a quiet and very polite young man, made a favourable impression.
I hate having to make polite conversation.
Synonyms: mannerly, civil, courteous, affable More Synonyms of polite
politelyadverb [usually ADVERB with verb, oft ADVERB adjective]
'Your home is beautiful,' I said politely.
politenessuncountable noun
She listened to him, but only out of politeness.
Synonyms: courtesy, decency, correctness, etiquette More Synonyms of polite
2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
You can refer to people who consider themselves to be socially superior and to set standards of behaviour for everyone else as polite society or polite company.
Certain words are vulgar and not acceptable in polite society.
Synonyms: refined, cultured, civilized, polished More Synonyms of polite
pragmatics note: politenessIn this dictionary, the label politeness indicates that you use the word or expression in order to show good manners, andto avoid upsetting or embarrassing people. An example of an expression with this labelis Would you mind...?
polite in British English
(pəˈlaɪt)
adjective
1.
showing regard for others, in manners, speech, behaviour, etc; courteous
2.
cultivated or refined
polite society
3.
elegant or polished
polite letters
Derived forms
politely (poˈlitely)
adverb
politeness (poˈliteness)
noun
Word origin
C15: from Latin polītus polished; see polish
polite in American English
(pəˈlaɪt)
adjective
1.
having or showing culture or good taste; polished; cultured; refined
polite society, polite letters
2.
having or showing good manners; esp., courteous, considerate, tactful, etc.
SIMILAR WORDS: ˈcivil
Derived forms
politely (poˈlitely)
adverb
politeness (poˈliteness)
noun
Word origin
L politus, pp. of polire, to polish
Examples of 'polite' in a sentence
polite
Their aim was to unleash m havoc on polite society with their provocative clothes and aggressive attitude.
The Sun (2017)
Not caring about what polite society thought.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The man was unfailingly polite.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Her speech was received about as well as could be expected, which is to say with polite applause and mild resignation.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
People on telly are always weird about that, but how hard is it to just say hello to people and be polite?
The Sun (2017)
Everyone seems so polite.
The Sun (2016)
He is a polite, interesting man, but it is nice to get to know him and you can see he has grown as a manager.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Everyone expressed the polite hope that she would soon be able to move out.
Christianity Today (2000)
But there were moments when the performance seemed a bit too polished and polite.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
There is no point in being polite about this.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The others think we are weird for being so polite but it makes me feel very proud.
The Sun (2008)
Your people are so polite and kind despite the history between our countries.
The Sun (2008)
This is not a matter of a quick cup of tea and polite conversation.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
It is perfectly polite to make small talk.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
People should be polite and courteous to each other.
McKenzie, James F. & Pinger, Robert R. An Introduction to Community Health (1995)
And how can anyone hold their head up in polite society with a masters in public relations?
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
He told how he longed for the days when people were more polite to one another.
The Sun (2014)
The problem for people who repeat stories is that most listeners are too polite to point it out.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
She was very courteous and polite.
The Sun (2008)
He was unfailingly correct and polite.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
He was a really polite man.
The Sun (2013)
He is invariably polite and courteous.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
She said he was a determined and polite young man who must have been in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Everyone was so polite and didn't mention it.
Steel, Elizabeth Coping With Sudden Hair Loss (1988)
What is the correct polite name for a public convenience in England?
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Make polite excuses but don't go.
The Sun (2011)
Everyone is polite and friendly.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It's the most polished and polite they've been all week though.
The Sun (2012)
He considers himself polite, honest and caring but claims he doesn't get the reciprocal civility he deserves.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
He had one of those special haircuts that you have to ask for, was polite to the point of apologetic and said his name was Andy.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
In other languages
polite
British English: polite /pəˈlaɪt/ ADJECTIVE
A polite person has good manners and is not rude to other people.