polite

Adjective

WordNet 3.0

showing regard for others in manners, speech, behavior, etc.
marked by refinement in taste and manners“cultivated speech”“cultured Bostonians”“cultured tastes”“a genteel old lady”“polite society”Synonyms: civilized civilised cultivated cultured genteel
not rude; marked by satisfactory (or especially minimal) adherence to social usages and sufficient but not noteworthy consideration for others“even if he didn't like them he should have been civil — W.S. Maugham”Synonyms: civil

Polite \Po*lite"\, a. [Compar. Politer; superl. Politest.] [L. politus, p. p. of polire to polish: cf. F. poli. See Polish, v.]

1.Smooth; polished. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

Rays of light falling on a polite surface.— Sir I. Newton.[1913 Webster]

2.Smooth and refined in behavior or manners; well bred; courteous; complaisant; obliging; civil. [1913 Webster]

He marries, bows at court, and grows polite.— Pope.[1913 Webster]

3.Characterized by refinement, or a high degree of finish; as, polite literature. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]

Syn: Polished; refined; well bred; courteous; affable; urbane; civil; courtly; elegant; genteel. [1913 Webster]

Polite \Po*lite"\, v. t. To polish; to refine; to render polite. [Obs.] --Ray. [1913 Webster]