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

What is meant and perceived as polite in a given context, however, will depend on judgments of appropriateness and markedness.

POLITE definition: showing good manners toward others, as in behavior, speech, etc.; courteous; civil. See examples of polite used in a sentence.

Definition of polite adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

You can refer to people who consider themselves to be socially superior and to set standards of behaviour for everyone else as polite society or polite company.

There are seven meanings listed in OED's entry for the word polite, two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

1. showing good manners toward others, as in behavior or speech; courteous: a polite reply. 2. refined or cultured: polite society. 3. of a refined or elegant kind: polite learning.

Dec 26, 2025 · From Latin polītus (“polished”), past participle of poliō (“I polish, smooth”); see polish. polite (comparative politer or more polite, superlative politest or most polite) It's not polite to use a …

The adjective polite comes from the mid-13th century Latin politus, which means "refined" or "elegant." Showing consideration for others, using tact, and observing social norms are the qualities of being …

POLITE meaning: 1 : having or showing good manners or respect for other people; 2 : socially correct or proper