polite etymology

Etymology

• French: poli ("polished," "refined")
• Latin: politus ("polished," "refined")
• Proto-Indo-European: *pel- ("to polish," "to make smooth")

Meaning

• Behaving in a courteous and respectful manner
• Showing social graces and etiquette
• Refined and cultured in speech, behavior, and appearance

Origin

The word "polite" entered English in the early 14th century from the Old French "poli," meaning "polished." This, in turn, derived from the Latin "politus," the past participle of the verb "polire," meaning "to polish."

The original sense of "polite" thus referred to the physical act of polishing or smoothing a surface. By the late 14th century, the word had acquired a more figurative meaning, referring to the refinement of speech, behavior, and appearance. It was typically used to describe people of high social status and education.

Over time, "polite" became more widely used to refer to courteous and respectful behavior in general, regardless of social class. Today, it is considered an important social virtue, indicating a person who is respectful of others and mindful of their own conduct.

polite relate terms

• Polish

  Etymology The word Polish is derived from the Latin word Polonia plural Poloni

• polite

  Etymology French poli polished refined Latin politus polished refined Pr

• polished

  Etymology Middle English polisshed from Anglo Norman French polisshed from Latin pol

• impolite

  Etymology The word impolite originates from the Old French word impoli meaning unp

• polite

  Etymology French poli polished refined Latin politus polished refined Pr

• politesse

  Etymology and Meaning politeness noun courteous behavior good manners refinement

• polite

  Etymology French poli polished refined Latin politus polished refined Pr

• civil

  Meaning and Origin of Civil Etymology Civil etymology refers to a process where words cha

• genteel

  Etymology From Middle English genteel from Anglo French gentil from Medieval Latin ge

• stethoscope

  Etymology The word stethoscope originates from three Greek roots stethos στήθο

• savoir faire

  Etymology French savoir faire Meaning Skill expertise or knowledge in a particula

• squire

  Etymology The word squire comes from the Old French word escuier which in turn deri

• courteous

  Etymology The word courteous comes from the Old French courtois which in turn deriv

• raspberry

  Etymology The word raspberry is derived from Old English ræsbere Proto Germanic

• engage

  Etymology From Middle English enwagen from Old English onweagian On on upon

• interpret

  Etymology is the study of the origin and history of words It involves tracing the word ba