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politesse

/ˈpɑləˌtɛs/
IPA guide

Other forms: politesses

Politesse is another word for good manners or etiquette. Your grandparents might complain that the biggest problem with the internet is that there's just no politesse at all.

Some other ways to say politesse are "courtesy" or "civility." It's a slightly fancy way to talk about treating other people politely and kindly. As you might guess, politesse shares a root with polite, the Latin politus, which means "refined" or "elegant." Especially in formal or solemn situations, it's important to treat others with politesse.

Definitions of politesse
  1. noun
    courtesy towards women
    synonyms: chivalry, gallantry
    see moresee less
    type of:
    courtesy, good manners
    a courteous manner
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