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Definition of politely

politely

/pəˈlaɪt.li/
po · lite · ly
Adjective:polite
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politely Lexical Profile

politely Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a respectful, considerate, and courteous manner that shows good manners toward others.

Example

"She listened politely to the customer's complaint before offering a solution."

2

In arestrained, socially acceptable, or understated way, sometimes solely out of convention rather than genuine enthusiasm.

Example

"The audience clapped politely at the end of the lengthy presentation."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for politely

• Nearby Words

polisher
politburo
polite
politely
politeness
politic
political

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the adjective 'polite' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'. 'Polite' entered Middle English from the Latin 'politus', meaning 'refined' or 'polished', the past participle of 'polire' ('to polish' or 'to make smooth').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Politely. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/politely
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