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.

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.

of a refined or elegant kind: polite learning. po•lite′ness, n. 1. well-bred, gracious. See civil. 2. urbane, polished, poised, courtly, cultivated. 1. 2. rude. In Lists: Top 2000 English words, …

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

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 …

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.

Some common synonyms of polite are chivalrous, civil, courteous, and gallant. While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," polite commonly implies …