First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
polite
adjective po·lite \pə-ˈlīt\
: having or showing good manners or respect for other people
: socially correct or proper
po·lit·erpo·lit·est
Full Definition of POLITE
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>
— po·lite·ly adverb
— po·lite·ness noun
See polite defined for English-language learners
See polite defined for kids
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Origin of POLITE
Middle English (Scots) polit, Latin politus, from past participle of polire
Related to POLITE
- Antonyms
- discourteous, ill-bred, ill-mannered, impolite, inconsiderate, mannerless, rude, thoughtless, uncivil, ungenteel, ungracious, unmannered, unmannerly
Synonym Discussion of 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>.
POLITE Defined for Kids
polite
adjective po·lite \pə-ˈlīt\
po·lit·erpo·lit·est
Definition of POLITE for Kids
: showing courtesy or good manners
— po·lite·ly adverb
— po·lite·ness noun
Learn More About POLITE
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