po·lite
Pronunciation:
\pə-'līt\
Function:
adjective
Inflected Form(s):
po·lit·er; po·lit·est
Etymology:
Middle English (Scots) polit, Latin politus, from past participle of polire
Date:
15th century
1 a: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of advanced culture b: marked by refined cultural interests and pursuits especially in arts and belles lettres 2 a: showing or characterized by correct social usage b: marked by an appearance of consideration, tact, deference, or courtesy c: marked by a lack of roughness or crudities <polite literature>