adjective

polite

polite, courteous, well-mannered

It's polite to say 'thank you'.

It's polite to say 'thank you'.

He is always polite to everyone.

He is always polite to everyone.

It is polite ((to-inf)) used to say what is considered good manners. It is polite to hold the door open.

polite ((to sb.)) showing good manners towards someone. She was very polite to the guests.

Synonyms: courteous, well-mannered, respectful; Antonyms: rude, impolite, discourteous

From Latin 'politus', meaning 'polished', the past participle of 'polire' (to polish). It shares the same root as 'polished'.

Think of 'polish'. Polite behaviour is 'polished' social behaviour—smooth and without roughness.

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