polite
adjective
po·lite pə-ˈlīt 
politer; politest
1
a
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of advanced culture
b
: marked by refined cultural interests and pursuits especially in arts and belles lettres
2
a
: showing or characterized by correct social usage
b
: marked by an appearance of consideration, tact, deference, or courtesy
c
: marked by a lack of roughness or crudities
polite literature
politely adverb
politeness noun
Synonyms
- civil
- courteous
- genteel
- gracious
- mannerly
- well-bred
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
It was polite of him to hold the door for them. Please be polite to the guests. It isn't polite to interrupt people when they're talking. She received some polite applause despite the mistakes in her performance.
Recent Examples on the Web As for how the members of the posh set feel about rubbing elbows with non-aristocrats, Meier said that most people won't mind, provided everyone is polite and well-mannered. 
Maria Mercedes Lara, Peoplemag, 16 Sep. 2022 Bayou, polite and diffident, is a well of disappointment for his father, Buster (E. Roger Mitchell). Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Sep. 2022 Okay, that can't be fun to hear — but at least Tyler was polite about it and delicate with Gabby's feelings. Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 26 July 2022 If being polite and refraining from littering, carving initials on trees and defacing Native American petroglyphs seems like a no–brainer, think again. Mark Eddington, The Salt Lake Tribune, 16 July 2022 The main text of the guide ends with an extended plea for servicemen to be polite and open-minded towards Alaskans, especially Alaska Natives. David Reamer, Anchorage Daily News, 26 June 2022 The witnesses selected to appear live are polite and noncontentious. Josh Dawsey, Washington Post, 23 June 2022 It’s succinct, polite and conveys your feelings accurately. Abigail Van Buren, oregonlive, 20 June 2022 Tuesday’s primary left the outcome of two Los Angeles school board races in doubt, setting the stage for a general election campaign that could prove less polite and more expensive. Howard Blumestaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2022 See More
Maria Mercedes Lara, Peoplemag, 16 Sep. 2022 Bayou, polite and diffident, is a well of disappointment for his father, Buster (E. Roger Mitchell). Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Sep. 2022 Okay, that can't be fun to hear — but at least Tyler was polite about it and delicate with Gabby's feelings. Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 26 July 2022 If being polite and refraining from littering, carving initials on trees and defacing Native American petroglyphs seems like a no–brainer, think again. Mark Eddington, The Salt Lake Tribune, 16 July 2022 The main text of the guide ends with an extended plea for servicemen to be polite and open-minded towards Alaskans, especially Alaska Natives. David Reamer, Anchorage Daily News, 26 June 2022 The witnesses selected to appear live are polite and noncontentious. Josh Dawsey, Washington Post, 23 June 2022 It’s succinct, polite and conveys your feelings accurately. Abigail Van Buren, oregonlive, 20 June 2022 Tuesday’s primary left the outcome of two Los Angeles school board races in doubt, setting the stage for a general election campaign that could prove less polite and more expensive. Howard Blumestaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English (Scots) polit, Latin politus, from past participle of polire
First Known Use
circa 1500, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing polite
Kids Definition
polite
adjective
po·lite pə-ˈlīt
politer; politest
: showing courtesy or good manners
politeness
noun
1
as in manners
speech or behavior that is a sign of good breeding the little girl's politeness greatly impressed her teacher Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- manners
- courteousness
- attentiveness
- elegance
- civility
- thoughtfulness
- gallantry
- hospitality
- gentility
- graciousness
- gracefulness
- courtesy
- respectability
- gentlemanliness
- mannerliness
- genteelness
- courtliness
- chivalry
- decorum
- politesse
- cordiality
- friendliness
- deference
- urbanity
- respect
- geniality
- sociability
- formality
- consideration
- refinement
- breeding
- humility
- ceremony
- affability
- ceremoniousness
- suaveness
- knighthood
- knightliness
- seemliness
- meekness
- decency
- chivalrousness
- decorousness
- ceremonialness
- modesty
- gentilesse
- shyness
- unctuousness
- propriety
- polish
- felicitousness
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- rudeness
- impoliteness
- incivility
- discourtesy
- surliness
- disrespect
- insolence
- boldness
- brashness
- shamelessness
- boorishness
- impertinence
- impudence
- audacity
- sauciness
- vulgarity
- informality
- churlishness
- casualness
- audaciousness
- ungraciousness
- clownishness
- brassiness
- delinquency
- discourteousness
- arrogance
- inappropriateness
- presumption
- indecency
- impropriety
- thoughtlessness
- loutishness
- inconsiderateness
- inconsideration
- incorrectness
- conceit
- pretentiousness
- improperness
2
as in gesture
an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners inquiring after his wife was a simple politeness Synonyms & Similar Words
- gesture
- courtesy
- civility
- manners
- etiquette
- formality
- attention
- ritual
- kindness
- pleasantry
- rules
- ceremony
- decorum
- greetings
- amenity
- rite
- observance
- respects
- honors
- regards
- proprieties
- grace
- mores
- kindliness
- protocol
- form
- favor
- addresses
- devoirs