— politely , adv. — politeness , n.
/peuh luyt"/ , adj., politer, politest .
1. showing good manners toward others, as in behavior, speech, etc.; courteous; civil: a polite reply.
2. refined or cultured: polite society.
3. of a refined or elegant kind: polite learning.
[ 1400-50; late ME politus, ptp. of polire to POLISH ]
Syn. 1. well-bred, gracious. See civil. 2. urbane, polished, poised, courtly, cultivated.
Ant. 1, 2. rude.