# polite

/pəˈɫaɪt/ (US) · /pəlˈaɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/polite
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. well-mannered

adjective · CEFR A2

having good manners and showing respect for others.

For teachers: demonstrating good manners and social etiquette; showing regard for others through conventional social grace.

- The waiter was very polite even though the restaurant was extremely busy.
- It is considered polite to send a handwritten thank-you note after staying at someone's home for the weekend.

### 2. refined or upper-class

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

relating to people who are well-educated and have high social standing.

For teachers: relating to or characteristic of refined, cultivated, or upper-class society.

- In polite society, it was once considered rude to talk about money.
- The author offers a biting critique of the hypocrisies often found within the circles of polite society during the Victorian era.

## Examples

- The waiter was very polite and helpful.
- It is important to be polite when you meet your new boss for the first time.
- While his response was technically polite, the coldness in his voice suggested he was actually quite angry about the delay.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.