politely
gb/pəlˈaɪtli/ us/pəlˈaɪtli/
B1
English
~ 7000
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B1
property
1
in a respectful, well-mannered way
In a way that shows respect and good manners toward other people.
Usage pattern:
[someone] does [something] politely
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "politely" with "politically." "Politely" is about good manners; "politically" is about politics. Another mistake is overusing very formal "kindly" in emails (e.g., "Kindly send me...") when a neutral "please" or using "politely" to describe an action ("He asked politely") is more natural in everyday English.
Synonyms
courteously (Slightly more formal; focuses on following rules of polite behavior.)
|
respectfully (Stresses showing respect, especially to someone in a higher position.)
Antonyms
rudely (Describes behavior that ignores good manners or respect.)
|
impolitely (More formal and less common direct opposite of "politely".)
Collocations
speak politely
|ask politely
|answer politely
|smile politely
|decline politely
|listen politely
Themes
social
|communication
|daily life
|behavior
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The children greeted the guests politely at the door.
- If you disagree, say so politely instead of shouting.
- He waited politely while she finished speaking.
- She smiled politely, even though she was bored.
- Please ask politely if you need help from the staff.
Learner examples
- The boy spoke politely to his teacher.
- She always asks politely when she needs something.
- He listened politely to his friend.
- I tried to complain politely about the noise.
- We should talk politely to older people.
unknown
B2
property
2
in softened, less harsh words
Using soft, careful words so that strong or negative ideas do not sound too hard or rude.
Usage pattern:
to put [something] politely
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize that in phrases like "to put it politely," the speaker actually means something more negative than the words suggest. It is a way to soften strong criticism, not to praise. Also, learners sometimes say *"say it in a polite" instead of "say it politely"—an adverb is needed here, not an adjective.
Synonyms
gently (Focuses on soft tone rather than on social politeness rules.)
|
tactfully (Stresses being careful not to upset or offend someone when saying something difficult.)
Antonyms
bluntly (Means saying something in a very direct way, without trying to soften it.)
|
harshly (Focuses on using strong, hard words that may sound unkind.)
Collocations
to put it politely
|to say it politely
|to phrase it politely
Themes
communication
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- To put it politely, the presentation was not very clear.
- The food was, to say it politely, a little disappointing.
- The meeting was, putting it politely, a waste of time.
- Her comment, to put it politely, was not very helpful.
- The service was slow, to put it politely, and many customers were angry.
Learner examples
- The movie was, to put it politely, not very good.
- His room is, to say it politely, very messy.
- The trip was, to put it politely, a bit of a problem.
- Her answer was, to put it politely, not very smart.
- The meal was, to say it politely, not great.
Grammar
Dictionary form
politely
IPA
GB/pəlˈaɪtli/
US/pəlˈaɪtli/
Syllables & stress
po - litely (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (litely)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: politely
- Plural: politelies
Word family
Forms
politelies
noun
Core family
polite
adjective A2
politeness
noun B1
Negative and opposite forms
Expressions
politely but firmly
1/pəlˈaɪtli bˈʌt fˈɚmli/
fixed phrase
respectful but not giving in
In a way that is respectful and calm, but very clear that you will not change your answer or opinion.
Examples
- She refused the offer politely but firmly.
- He told them politely but firmly that they had to leave.
- The manager explained the rules politely but firmly to the customers.
to put it politely
1/tə pˈʊt ˈɪt pəlˈaɪtli/
fixed phrase
soften a negative comment
To say something bad or negative in soft, careful words so it does not sound too strong or rude.
Examples
- The hotel was, to put it politely, not what we expected.
- Your explanation was, to put it politely, a little confusing.
- His joke was, to put it politely, not very funny.