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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.

The Scottish government said Swinney "politely declined" the offer to join the event on April 28, which is part of the King and Queen's state visit to the US.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

Would you not politely take them aside and ask them if they’re going through something, and how you can help?

From Salon • Apr. 20, 2026

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

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2026

Check your ego: Falardeau recalls the sage advice dispensed, politely, by one of his predecessors at Scioto, the late Walker Inman, who was a former pro-tour player.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

“Do I interrupt?” he asked politely as he stood at the door.

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker

Vocabulary lists containing politely

List 4

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