English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
adj

polite

puh-LYT
adj
1
Showing good manners and consideration for others.
"It's polite to say thank you when someone holds the door."
"He gave a polite nod and continued on his way."

How to Use Polite

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWell-mannered and considerate in speech or behaviour.

Common pairings
polite society polite request stay polite

Word Forms

politer comparative, more polite comparative, polited past tense, Polites plural, polites singular, politest superlative, most polite superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “polite” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

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."

Related Words

Rhymes for polite

See all rhymes for polite →

People Also Searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial