polite
word
/pəˈɫaɪt/
puh-LYT
/pəlˈaɪt/
puh-LYT
Definition
Showing good manners and respect for other people in the way you speak or behave. A polite person is careful not to be rude or cause discomfort.
Usage & Nuances
Common with 'be polite to', 'polite conversation', and 'polite request'. It often describes outward behavior, so someone can be polite without being warm or friendly. Don't confuse it with 'politic', which has a different meaning.
Spanish: educado - cortésPortuguese (BR): educado - gentilPortuguese (PT): educado - cortêsChinese (Simplified): 礼貌的 - 客气的Chinese (Traditional): 有禮貌的 - 客氣的Hindi: विनम्र - शिष्टArabic: مؤدب - مهذبBengali: ভদ্র - শিষ্টাচারীRussian: вежливыйJapanese: 丁寧（ていねい） - 礼儀正しい（れいぎただしい）Vietnamese: lịch sự - lễ phépKorean: 공손한 - 정중한Turkish: nazik - kibarUrdu: مہذب - شائستہIndonesian: sopan - ramah
Example Sentences
The children were very polite to their teacher.
basic
Please be polite when you ask for help.
basic
He gave a polite smile and said hello.
basic
She was polite, but I could tell she wanted the conversation to end.
natural
A polite email can make a big difference when you're asking for a favor.
natural
He said no in a polite way, so nobody felt offended.
natural