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politeness

   Also found in: Wikipedia 0.01 sec.
po·lite  (p-lt)
adj. po·lit·er, po·lit·est
1. Marked by or showing consideration for others, tact, and observance of accepted social usage.
2. Refined; elegant: polite society.

[Middle English polit, polished, from Latin poltus, past participle of polre, to polish; see polish.]

po·litely adv.
po·liteness n.
Synonyms: polite, mannerly, civil, courteous, genteel
These adjectives mean mindful of, conforming to, or marked by good manners. Polite and mannerly imply consideration for others and the adherence to conventional social standards of good behavior: "It costs nothing to be polite" Winston S. Churchill. The child was scolded by his grandmother for not being more mannerly.
Civil suggests only the barest observance of accepted social usages; it often means merely neither polite nor rude: If you can't be friendly, at least be civil.
Courteous implies courtliness and dignity: "If a man be gracious and courteous to strangers, it shows he is a citizen of the world" Francis Bacon.
Genteel, which originally meant well-bred, now usually suggests excessive and affected refinement: "A man, indeed, is not genteel when he gets drunk" James Boswell.
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.politenesspoliteness - a courteous manner that respects accepted social usage
good manners, courtesy - a courteous manner
impoliteness - a discourteous manner that ignores accepted social usage
2.politeness - the act of showing regard for others
action - something done (usually as opposed to something said); "there were stories of murders and other unnatural actions"
courtesy - a courteous or respectful or considerate act
deference, respect - a courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard; "his deference to her wishes was very flattering"; "be sure to give my respects to the dean"
devoir - formal expression of respect

politeness
Translations

politeness [pəˈlaɪtnɪs] ncortesía
politeness [pəˈlaɪtnɪs] polite npolitesse f
politeness [pəˈlaɪtnɪs] polite nHöflichkeit f
politeness [pəˈlaɪtnɪs] ncortesia

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? Mentioned in ? References in classic literature
 
He had received his name from the suavity of his countenance, the inveterate politeness of his language, and the unassailable composure of his manner.
Though he did not drink himself, with a politeness of which Philip recognised the irony, he put a couple of bottles of beer at Hayward's elbow, and he insisted on lighting matches whenever in the heat of argument Hayward's pipe went out.
After a professional scrutiny, prolonged to the limit of politeness, "Pardon me," he said; "one asking information should be willing to impart it.
 
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