politesse

[pol-i-tes, paw-lee-tes] / ˌpɒl ɪˈtɛs, pɔ liˈtɛs /

NOUN

courtesy

Synonyms

STRONG

address affability amenities amiability attentiveness ceremony chivalry civility comity complaisance consideration cordiality courtliness cultivation culture deference elegance familiarity favor friendliness gallantry generosity geniality genteelness gentility gentleness graciousness indulgence kindness polish politeness refinement respect reverence solicitude suavity sympathy tact thoughtfulness urbanity

WEAK

courteousness gallantness good behavior good breeding mannerliness

Antonyms

STRONG

aloofness coldness coolness crudeness disdain dishonor disregard disrespect fear ignorance impoliteness incompatibility indifference meanness neglect roughness rudeness thoughtlessness unfriendliness

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 happy tourists don’t notice Park Chan-wook, the cinematic master behind such tours de force as “Oldboy” and “Decision to Leave,” projecting thoughtful politesse beside him.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2025

"I think when politesse is in conflict with the truth, I choose the truth," he said.

From BBC • Jan. 8, 2025

But Lorraine's politesse has limits, as a pair of Minnesota’s finest find when they pay a visit to her office to inquire about her daughter-in-law’s connection to a North Dakota crime.

From Salon • Nov. 29, 2023

Speaking in a soft Québécois accent, he apologized for his English and initially radiated an air of cautious politesse.

From New York Times • Oct. 13, 2021

With them I normally will observe the politesse of secular society concerning religion—say nothing about it.

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez

politesse

Example Sentences

Related Words