ENGLISH
REFERENCE

politely

adv. manner
A2 Elementary US //pəˈɫaɪtɫi// UK //pəlˈaɪtli// po·lite·ly

adv. in a way that shows good manners and respect for other people.

adv. behaving in a manner that conforms to social etiquette and shows consideration for others.


SIMPLE

She smiled politely at the guests.

CONTEXTUAL

When the waiter brought the wrong dish, he politely asked for the correct order to be prepared.

COMPLEX

The diplomat politely declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations, citing the need for confidentiality until a final agreement was reached.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From polite + -ly.

Usage

Typically follows the verb or the direct object.

Pitfall

He spoke to me very polite.He spoke to me very politely.Learners often use the adjective 'polite' instead of the adverb 'politely' to describe how an action is performed.

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