Added 9 October 2026
polite
/pəˈlaɪt/ adjective
In Latin: cōmis Wiktionary
adjective Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about polite at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- Showing regard for others in manners, speech, behavior, etc.
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Marked by refinement in taste and manners.
cultivated speech
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Not rude; marked by satisfactory (or especially minimal) adherence to social usages and sufficient but not noteworthy consideration for others.
even if he didn't like them he should have been civil
Origin
From Latin polītus (“polished”), past participle of poliō (“to polish, smooth”); see polish.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)