# politeness

/pəˈɫaɪtnəs/ (US) · /pəlˈaɪtnəs/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/politeness
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

the quality of being kind and respectful to other people. It is about using good manners and showing you care about how others feel.

For teachers: the quality of being courteous, respectful, and considerate of others. Often involves adherence to social conventions or formal etiquette.

## Examples

- It is important to show politeness when you meet new people.
- The hotel staff showed great politeness by offering to carry the heavy bags to the room.
- While some argue that strict politeness is a relic of the past, others maintain that it remains essential for maintaining professional relationships and social harmony.

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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.