polite

/pə-ˈlīt/

Middle English (Scots) polit, Latin politus, from past participle of polire

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or having the characteristics of advanced culture

  2. marked by refined cultural interests and pursuits especially in arts and belles lettres

  3. showing or characterized by correct social usage

civil polite courteous gallant chivalrous mean observant of the forms required by good breeding. civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness. polite commonly implies polish of speech and manners and sometimes suggests an absence of cordiality.

noun

  1. somewhat formal speech that is not offensive and can be used in all situations

idiom

  1. in formal settings : with people you do not know well

It's not something you should talk about in polite company.