Word
politely
Phoneticspo·lite·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/pəˈɫaɪtɫi/
UK/pəlˈaɪtli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
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.
Examples
“She smiled politely at the guests.”
“When the waiter brought the wrong dish, he politely asked for the correct order to be prepared.”
“The diplomat politely declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations, citing the need for confidentiality until a final agreement was reached.”
Examples
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.”
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.
Etymology
From polite + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/politely