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polite

adj.
A2 Elementary Oxford US //pəˈɫaɪt// UK //pəlˈaɪt// po·lite Archaic General-service

adj. having good manners and showing respect for other people. You are polite when you follow social rules like saying 'please' and 'thank you'.

adj. behaving in a manner that is socially correct and shows consideration for others. Often used to describe formal or conventional social interactions.


SIMPLE

The waiter was very polite and helpful.

CONTEXTUAL

It is important to be polite when you meet your new boss for the first time.

COMPLEX

While his response was technically polite, the coldness in his voice suggested he was actually quite angry about the delay.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Latin polītus (“polished”), past participle of poliō (“to polish, smooth”); see polish.

Usage

Typically used before a noun or after a linking verb like 'be' or 'seem'.

Pitfall

He is very polite with me.He is very polite to me.When describing how someone behaves toward another person, 'polite' usually takes the preposition 'to' rather than 'with'.

Idioms1 entry

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