polite
How to Use Polite
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWell-mannered and considerate in speech or behaviour.
Word Forms
politer comparative, more polite comparative, polited past tense, Polites plural, polites singular, politest superlative, most polite superlative
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
It's _____ to say thank you when someone holds the door.
Etymology
From Latin politus, "polished," the past participle of polire — the same root that gives us "polish." Politeness was once thought of as social "polish."