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

Choose the Right Synonym for polite

civil, polite, courteous, gallant, chivalrous mean observant of the forms required by good breeding.

civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness.

owed the questioner a civil reply

polite commonly implies polish of speech and manners and sometimes suggests an absence of cordiality.

if you can't be pleasant, at least be polite

courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness.

clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

gallant and chivalrous imply courteous attentiveness especially to women.

gallant suggests spirited and dashing behavior and ornate expressions of courtesy.

a gallant suitor of the old school

chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior.

a chivalrous display of duty

Examples of polite in a Sentence

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

According to a Newsweek article, simple gestures like being polite to airline staff can significantly improve a travel experience. —Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025

Ahead of Trump’s swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20, he and Melania Trump are expected to be greeted at the White House by Joe and Jill Biden, who will then bring them inside for some tea or coffee and perhaps some polite conversation. —Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2025

Jamie Lee Curtis costars in a touching drama about a Las Vegas dancer facing a final curtain call Comments Pamela Anderson’s career has brought her great renown, which perhaps is just a polite way of saying great notoriety. —Tom Gliatto, People.com, 10 Jan. 2025

Employers are more likely to respond positively if the request is polite, concise, and focused. —Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025

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

• in polite company
• in polite society/company
• polite speech

Kids Definition

polite

adjective

po·​lite pə-ˈlīt 

politer; politest

1

: showing good taste or training : refined

polite society

polite forms of address

2

: showing consideration and courtesy : courteous

politely adverb

politeness noun