politesse

[pol-i-tes, paw-lee-tes] / ˌpɒl ɪˈtɛs, pɔ liˈtɛs /

NOUN

courtesy

Synonyms

STRONG

address affability amenities amiability attentiveness ceremony chivalry civility comity complaisance consideration cordiality courtliness cultivation culture deference elegance familiarity favor friendliness gallantry generosity geniality genteelness gentility gentleness graciousness indulgence kindness polish politeness refinement respect reverence solicitude suavity sympathy tact thoughtfulness urbanity

WEAK

courteousness gallantness good behavior good breeding mannerliness

Antonyms

STRONG

aloofness coldness coolness crudeness disdain dishonor disregard disrespect fear ignorance impoliteness incompatibility indifference meanness neglect roughness rudeness thoughtlessness unfriendliness

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.

Mr. Camp, the landscaper, maintains a friendly politesse with the Jacobses, and said that as bountiful as their garden was, lawns like his involve far less work.

From New York Times

What, you ask, could that little bit of inconsequential politesse have to do with Donald Trump’s undermining of democracy?

From Washington Post

Speaking in a soft Québécois accent, he apologized for his English and initially radiated an air of cautious politesse.

From New York Times

Which, though it was shrouded in politesse, was a different point altogether.

From New York Times

For his part, the colorless Yvan, with his stiff politesse and old-world firm, presents the very picture of a useful patsy.

From New York Times

politesse

Example Sentences

Related Words