Enter the word for search

polite

/pəˈlaɪt/

Translations

politeadjective

politer

Comp.

politest

Super.

/pəˈlaɪt/

poli

The polite child thanked the host for the delicious meal.

L'enfant poli a remercié l'hôte pour le délicieux repas.

Additional translations

courtoisSurtout pour un comportement aimable et respectueux.

mondainDans le sens de « de la bonne société ».

Synonyms

Antonyms

politenoun

/pəˈlaɪt/

Used chiefly with the definite article to refer collectively to people of refined manners ('the polite').

Additional translations

mondeDans l’expression « the polite » au sens de la bonne société.

politeverb

polited

Past Simple

polited

Past Participle

politing

Gerund

Archaic, transitive: to make polite; to civilise or refine.

civiliserEmploi rare ou vieilli.

The tutor sought to polite the young gentleman's manners.

Le précepteur s'efforça de civiliser les manières du jeune gentilhomme.

Additional translations

polirAu sens figuré : rendre plus raffiné, plus élégant.

Definitions

politeadjective

Having or showing behavior that is respectful and considerate of other people.

The polite child thanked the host for the delicious meal.

Relating to or having the characteristics of refined or cultured society.

In the 18th century, French was considered the language of polite society.

Of words or expressions, socially correct and unlikely to offend.

Please use polite language when addressing the clients.

politenoun

People who are refined and cultured, considered as a social group (usually with the definite article).

He found the company of the polite rather tedious.

politeverb

To make polite; to civilize or refine.

The tutor sought to polite the young gentleman's manners.