polite

polite
po|lite
S3 [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
≠ ↑rude, impolite ↑impolite
▪ She's always very polite.
▪ polite, well-behaved children
▪ a clear but polite request
it 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 saying
polite 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/company
among 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.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Polite — Po*lite , a. [Compar. {Politer}; superl. {Politest}.] [L. politus, p. p. of polire to polish: cf. F. poli. See {Polish}, v.] 1. Smooth; polished. [Obs.] [1913 Webster] Rays of light falling on a polite surface. Sir I. Newton. [1913 Webster] 2.… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • polite — [pə līt′] adj. [L politus, pp. of polire, to POLISH] 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. SYN.… …   English World dictionary

  • Polite — Po*lite , v. t. To polish; to refine; to render polite. [Obs.] Ray. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • polite — ► ADJECTIVE (politer, politest) 1) courteous and well mannered. 2) cultured and refined: polite society. DERIVATIVES politely adverb politeness noun. ORIGIN Latin politus polished, made smooth , from polire …   English terms dictionary

  • polite — index diplomatic, discreet, formal, obeisant Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 …   Law dictionary

  • polite — (adj.) mid 13c., from L. politus refined, elegant, lit. polished, pp. of polire to polish, to make smooth. Used literally at first in English; sense of elegant, cultured is first recorded c.1500, that of behaving courteously is 1762 …   Etymology dictionary

  • polite — *civil, courteous, courtly, gallant, chivalrous Analogous words: *suave, urbane, diplomatic, politic: *thoughtful, considerate, attentive Antonyms: impolite …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • polite — [adj] mannerly, civilized affable, amenable, amiable, attentive, bland, civil, complaisant, concerned, conciliatory, condescending, considerate, cordial, courteous, courtly, cultured, deferential, diplomatic, elegant, friendly, genteel, gentle,… …   New thesaurus

  • polite — adjective 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: a polite refusal | What polite well behaved children! | it is polite to …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English

  • polite */ — UK [pəˈlaɪt] / US adjective Word forms polite : adjective polite comparative politer superlative politest a) someone who is polite behaves towards other people in a pleasant way that follows all the usual rules of society polite to: You must be… …   English dictionary

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