Politeness: meaning, definitions and examples

🎩

Add to dictionary

politeness

[pəˈlaɪtnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in communication

Politeness is the showing of consideration and respect for others in social interactions.

Synonyms

courtesy, etiquette, manners.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
politeness	Politeness refers to the behavior that shows respect and consideration for other people. It is often used in general everyday interactions. She thanked him with politeness His politeness made a good impression during the interview
courtesy	Courtesy is a formal and respectful way of interacting with others, often associated with specific actions or words that are seen as markers of respect. He showed courtesy by holding the door open for her Offering a seat to an elderly person is a common courtesy
manners	Manners are behaviors that represent social norms of expected polite conduct in public and private interactions. Good manners include saying 'please' and 'thank you' Teaching children proper table manners is essential
etiquette	Etiquette refers to the set of established rules or conventions governing proper behavior in specific social or professional settings. Understanding dining etiquette is important for formal events Business etiquette dictates how to greet new colleagues

Examples of usage

His politeness towards the elderly lady was heartwarming.
She always emphasizes the importance of politeness in our conversations.
Politeness can go a long way in creating positive relationships.
I was impressed by the politeness of the staff at the hotel.
Politeness is often appreciated even in difficult situations.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

as a quality

Politeness is a characteristic of being well-mannered and considerate towards others.

Synonyms

courtesy, gentility, graciousness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
politeness	Similar to politeness, but emphasizes general courteous and well-mannered behavior. His politeness was evident in how he addressed even the smallest of children
courtesy	Appropriate for situations where considerate actions or words are emphasized, often connected with specific actions that show respect. He showed great courtesy by holding the door open for everyone
gentility	Best used when referring to refined behavior that suggests high social standing or upbringing, often in historical or formal contexts. The family was known for their gentility and sophisticated manners
graciousness	Used when talking about kindness and warm-hearted behavior, often in social or formal settings. Her graciousness at the event made everyone feel welcome and comfortable

Examples of usage

Her politeness is one of the reasons why people enjoy her company.
The culture of politeness in this country is deeply ingrained.
Politeness is often seen as a sign of good upbringing.
The lack of politeness in his behavior was noticeable.
Politeness can help in resolving conflicts peacefully.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

In many Asian cultures, politeness is a key part of social interactions, often involving special language forms to show respect.
In Western cultures, saying 'please' and 'thank you' is a common way to be polite, emphasizing gratitude.
Some cultures value indirect communication, where being polite may mean avoiding direct confrontation or criticism.

Psychology

Research shows that polite behavior can enhance relationships and increase feelings of happiness for both the giver and receiver.
Using polite language can help de-escalate conflicts and create a more cooperative atmosphere.
People often associate politeness with professionalism, which can influence hiring and promotion decisions.

Historical Origins

The concept of politeness emerges from the French word 'politesse,' which means 'refinement or tact.'
In European history, the rise of the 'courteous knight' during the Middle Ages emphasized the importance of polite behavior in noble society.
Various etiquette books from the 18th and 19th centuries helped shape modern views on polite behavior, focusing on manners and social graces.

Linguistics

Languages often encode politeness differently; for instance, Japanese has levels of politeness that reflect the relationship between speakers.
In some languages, using formal titles and honorifics is a way to show respect and politeness, influencing how people communicate.
Politeness strategies, such as hedging or using indirect speech, are studied in pragmatics to understand social behavior in conversation.

Pop Culture

Politeness is often a theme in movies and books, with characters showcasing either extreme politeness or rudeness to highlight personality traits.
Social media has changed perceptions of politeness, where public comments can either be very courteous or very harsh.
Popular figures, like authors and comedians, often play with the concept of politeness to create humor or provoke thought about social norms.

Translations

Translations of the word "politeness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cortesia

🇮🇳 शिष्टाचार

🇩🇪 Höflichkeit

🇮🇩 kesopanan

🇺🇦 ввічливість

🇵🇱 grzeczność

🇯🇵 礼儀

🇫🇷 politesse

🇪🇸 cortesía

🇹🇷 nezaket

🇰🇷 예의

🇸🇦 أدب

🇨🇿 zdvořilost

🇸🇰 zdvorilosť

🇨🇳 礼貌

🇸🇮 vljudnost

🇮🇸 kurteisi

🇰🇿 сыпайылық

🇬🇪 საუცხოოება

🇦🇿 nəzakət

🇲🇽 cortesía

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,957, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
13954 brewing
13955 gracefully
13956 quenched
13957 politeness
13958 unreal
13959 pirate
13960 incurring
...