polite
gb/pəlˈaɪt/ us/pəlˈaɪt/
A2
English
~ 4200
udvarias, kulturált, kifinomult
A2
1
udvarias
A2
Usage pattern:
[someone] is polite to [someone]
She was polite to the waiter, even though the service was slow.
Udvarias volt a pincérrel, pedig lassú volt a kiszolgálás.
Please be polite when you meet my parents.
Kérlek, légy udvarias, amikor találkozol a szüleimmel.
He gave a polite nod as she passed by.
The teacher reminded the students to be polite to each other.
It’s polite to say ‘thank you’ when someone helps you.
Learner examples
He is always polite to his friends.
Mindig udvarias a barátaival.
It is polite to say hello.
Udvarias dolog köszönni.
The boy is polite to his teacher.
She is polite when she talks to old people.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'polite' with 'kind'. 'Polite' focuses on manners and social rules, while 'kind' means caring about others' feelings.
Meaning
Showing good manners
Collocations
polite request
|polite conversation
|polite smile
|be polite
|sound polite
Synonyms
courteous (Slightly more formal than 'polite', often used in professional or service contexts.)
Antonyms
rude (Direct opposite; describes behavior that is impolite or disrespectful.)
Themes
daily life
|communication
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Acting in a kind and respectful way toward other people.
Behaving in a way that is socially correct and shows respect toward other people.
B2
2
kulturált
B2
kifinomult
C1
He was raised in a polite society where strict manners were expected.
Kulturált társaságban nevelkedett, ahol elvárták a szigorú illemet.
That topic is not discussed in polite company.
Ilyen témáról kulturált társaságban nem szokás beszélni.
The dinner was full of polite conversation about art and travel.
Learner examples
They spoke about safe topics in polite company.
Kulturált társaságban semleges témákról beszélgettek.
He learned how to act in polite society.
Megtanulta, hogyan kell viselkedni kulturált társaságban.
We avoid rude jokes in polite company.
Meaning
Socially refined or cultured
Collocations
polite society
|polite conversation
|polite company
Synonyms
refined (Emphasizes elegance and sophistication, often in cultural or social settings.)
Antonyms
uncouth (Describes behavior lacking refinement or good manners.)
Themes
society
|culture
|communication
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Behaving in a way that is proper in high society or formal situations.
Conforming to the standards of cultured or refined society.
Grammar
Dictionary form
polite
IPA
GB/pəlˈaɪt/
US/pəlˈaɪt/
Syllables & stress
po - lite (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (lite)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: polite
Word family
Core family
politely
adverb B1
politeness
noun B1
Negative and opposite forms
Expressions
polite company
1/pəlˈaɪt kˈʌmpəni/
fixed phrase
Group expecting refined manners
A group of people where you must speak and act in a formal and careful way.
Examples
- Such language is not used in polite company.
- In polite company, people avoid discussing politics.
polite society
2/pəlˈaɪt səsˈaɪəti/
fixed phrase
formal
social norms among well-mannered people
The way well-mannered people are expected to behave in public.
Examples
- In polite society, it's rude to talk with your mouth full.
- Such language is not used in polite society.
polite society
3/pəlˈaɪt səsˈaɪəti/
fixed phrase
Refined social circles
A group of people who follow formal and refined rules of behavior.
Examples
- In polite society, it’s considered rude to talk about money.
- She was introduced to the customs of polite society after marrying into a wealthy family.