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Definitions

politely

[puh-lahyt-lee] / pəˈlaɪt li /
ADVERB
thoughtfully
Synonyms
STRONGEST
amiably attentively cordially gently graciously kindly respectfully tactfully
STRONG
courteously
WEAK
affably agreeably benignantly charmingly civilly compassionately concernedly considerately elegantly gallantly gracefully ingratiatingly kindheartedly sociably solicitously urbanely winningly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“They politely came and just told me, just, ‘Would you come with us?’

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2026

Alana Anisio Rosa, 20, politely turned down the man from her gym who kept sending her flowers and chocolates.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

One of several similar images, it illustrates an old Flemish proverb that can be politely translated as “Whoever holds a sack of gold will always have flatterers.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

Invited to comment on Rayner's remarks to Tuesday night's gathering, Downing Street politely declined.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

The people here are always in a rush, and I find it funny that they politely say “excuse me, excuse me,” as they push you out of the way in a crowded bus or store.

From "Across So Many Seas" by Ruth Behar

Vocabulary lists containing politely

List 4

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