POLITELY

Pronunciation (US): (GB):

I. (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In a polite manner

Example:

the policeman answered politely, 'Now look here, lady...'

Synonyms:

courteously; politely

Classified under:

Adverbs

Antonym:

impolitely (in an impolite manner)

Pertainym:

polite (showing regard for others in manners, speech, behavior, etc.)

Credits

Context examples:

Sir Thomas listened most politely, but found much to offend his ideas of decorum, and confirm his ill-opinion of Mr. Yates's habits of thinking, from the beginning to the end of the story; and when it was over, could give him no other assurance of sympathy than what a slight bow conveyed.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

Catherine's expectations of pleasure from her visit in Milsom Street were so very high that disappointment was inevitable; and accordingly, though she was most politely received by General Tilney, and kindly welcomed by his daughter, though Henry was at home, and no one else of the party, she found, on her return, without spending many hours in the examination of her feelings, that she had gone to her appointment preparing for happiness which it had not afforded.

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

He continued at the window; and after calmly and politely saying, "I hope the little boy is better," was silent.

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)

Miss Bingley moved with some alacrity to the pianoforte; and, after a polite request that Elizabeth would lead the way which the other as politely and more earnestly negatived, she seated herself.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

This officer unlocked their spectacles to put them back in his great box, and then he politely opened the gate for our friends.

(The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum)

The Professor took the key, opened the creaky door, and standing back, politely, but quite unconsciously, motioned me to precede him.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

Sir Thomas, politely bowing, replied, It is the only way, sir, in which I could not wish you established as a permanent neighbour; but I hope, and believe, that Edmund will occupy his own house at Thornton Lacey.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

Any one of these scouts used to think nothing of politely assisting an old lady in black out of a vehicle, killing any proctor whom she inquired for, representing his employer as the lawful successor and representative of that proctor, and bearing the old lady off (sometimes greatly affected) to his employer's office.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

Anne drew a little back, while the others received his compliments, and her sister his apologies for calling at so unusual an hour, but he could not be so near without wishing to know that neither she nor her friend had taken cold the day before, &c. &c; which was all as politely done, and as politely taken, as possible, but her part must follow then.