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View synonyms for

politely

[ puh-lahyt-lee ]

adverb

  1. in a way that shows good manners toward others; courteously:

    The bar is extremely busy, so the ability to work efficiently and politely under pressure is essential.

    Although the coaches encouraged him to try out for the team, he politely declined and went back to his books.

  2. in a way that shows refinement, consideration, or elegance:

    The goal is politely described as "optimistic" by the auditors; privately, most observers view it as total fantasy.

    The artist’s journals start politely—small watercolors and writing fill the early pages, but by the end they are overflowing and untameable.



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Other Word Forms

  • ···ٱ· adverb
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Word History and Origins

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Example Sentences

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“It has drained away that fluid of grief that was drowning me, killing me,” he tells Myrna, who politely declines his invitation for a second date.

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On Monday, Ballester’s coach, Matt Thurmond, was politely removed from the practice area for wearing shorts, which are only permissible for patrons, not players and coaches.

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On a few occasions the fourth official had to politely tell Monteiro to get back.

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They say the full video with sound shows Meghan politely helping the group get ready for the photo by asking: "Do you want to come over here?"

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Some 44% of adults said public behavior is about the same; 9% said people are behaving a lot or a little more politely in public.

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polit. econ.politesse