adj.
Pronunciation: p ə - ' l ī t
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: po · lit · er ; -est
Etymology: Middle English (Sc) politician , Latin politus, from past participle of polire
Date: 15th century
1 a : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of advanced culture b : marked by refined cultural interests and pursuits especially in arts and belles lettres
2 a : showing or characterized by correct social usage b : marked by an appearance of consideration, tact, deference, or courtesy c : marked by a lack of roughness or crudities < polite literature>
synonyms see CIVIL
– po · lite · ly adverb
– po · lite · ness noun