POLITE

adjective (~r; -est) Etymology: Middle English (Scots) polit, Latin politus, from past participle of polire Date: 15th century 1. of, relating to, or having the characteristics of advanced culture, marked by refined cultural interests and pursuits especially in arts and belles lettres, 2. showing or characterized by correct social usage, marked by an appearance of consideration, tact, deference, or courtesy, marked by a lack of roughness or crudities , see: civil ~ly adverb ~ness noun