Synonyms for

Politely

Verb / pʌˈlaɪtli: / Another word for politely — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

showing good manners and respect for others

Synonyms & similar words

discourteously impolitely courteously courteously respectfully civilly graciously gently kindly considerately thoughtfully cordially affably amiably friendly decently properly nicely pleasantly charmingly gracefully suavely urbane

Synonyms by register

Formal

courteously respectfully decently graciously

Informal

nicely kindly sweetly civilly

Literary

debonairly urbane

Antonyms

rudely impolitely discourteously offensively insolently brazenly crudely

Common collocations

  • ask politely
  • say politely
  • wait politely
  • bow politely
  • smile politely
  • apologize politely
  • respond politely

Word family

noun politeness
adjective polite
adverb politely

Usage note

This adverb describes an action done with good manners. It is often used with verbs related to communication or requests.

Example sentences

  1. He asked politely for more food.
  2. She smiled politely at her neighbor.
  3. The children were taught to speak politely to their elders.
  4. He nodded politely to acknowledge the compliment.
  5. She apologized politely for being late.

Quotes

  • "Politeness is the art of choosing among one's real thoughts." - Abel Stevens
  • "Politeness is the flower of humanity." - Joseph Joubert
  • "Politeness is to human nature what warmth is to wax." - Arthur Schopenhauer

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