Polite
/pəˈlaɪt/
Definitions
Showing good manners; courteous.
/pəˈlaɪt/
Having or showing good manners or respect for other people.
She was always polite and respectful.
💡 Simply: Being polite is like being a good friend! It means saying 'please' and 'thank you' and being kind to everyone, just like when you share your toys at playtime. It's like putting on your best manners so everyone feels good.
👶 For kids: Being nice and using good manners, like saying 'please' and 'thank you'.
More Examples
It is polite to offer your seat to an elderly person on the bus.
The salesperson was very polite and helpful.
I tried to be polite, even though I was upset.
How It's Used
"It's polite to say 'please' and 'thank you'."
"He was always very polite to his superiors."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
polite society
People of high social standing who are expected to behave in a refined manner.
"The art gallery hosted events for polite society."
polite as a mouse
Extremely polite, quiet, and unobtrusive.
"When the teacher entered the room, the students were polite as a mouse."
From Middle French *polit* (refined, polished), from Latin *politus* (past participle of *polire* meaning 'to polish').
The word 'polite' initially referred to polished or refined manners, reflecting a concern for courtly behavior in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Memory tip
Think of a polished person – smooth and refined in their interactions.
Word Origin
"to polish"