- polite
- po|liteS3 [pəˈlaıt] adj[Date: 1400-1500; : Latin; Origin: , past participle of polire; POLISH1]1.) behaving or speaking in a way that is correct for the social situation you are in, and showing that you are careful to consider other people's needs and feelings▪ She's always very polite.▪ polite, well-behaved children▪ a clear but polite requestit is polite (of sb) to do sth▪ We left the party as soon as it was polite to do so.▪ It's not polite to talk with your mouth full.2.) you make polite conversation, remarks etc because it is considered socially correct to do this, but not necessarily because you believe what you are sayingpolite remarks/conversation/interest etc▪ While they ate, they made polite conversation about the weather.▪ Jan expressed polite interest in Edward's stamp collection.▪ I know Ian said he liked her singing, but he was only being polite .3.) in polite society/circles/companyamong people who are considered to have a good education and correct social behaviour - often used humorously▪ You can't use words like that in polite company.>politely adv▪ 'Can I help you?' she asked politely.>politeness n [U]
Dictionary of contemporary English. 2013.