politely

politely — adverb

1. with considerate words or actions that treat other people well and avoid upsetti

1.副詞B1
釋義

with considerate words or actions that treat other people well and avoid upsetting them.

例句

Nina politely asked the waiter for a clean spoon.

politely ask for something

At the station, Omar politely let the old woman go first.

同義詞
  • courteously

    more formal and often used in careful writing

  • respectfully

    stresses showing respect, especially to someone older or more senior

  • considerately

    focuses more on thinking about another person's comfort or feelings

反義詞
  • rudely

    shows bad manners or open disrespect

  • impolitely

    direct opposite, often in more formal wording

文法句型

speak politely

politely ask for something

politely tell someone that-clause

politely refuse

用法筆記

Usually used with speaking and social actions such as ask, refuse, explain, thank, and greet. Distinguish from sense 2 (WITHOUT WARMTH): this sense normally suggests real respect, not just correct behavior.

常見錯誤

❌She spoke polite to the customer.
✅She spoke politely to the customer.
💡use the adverb to describe how someone speaks.
❌He asked politely for leave early.
✅He politely asked to leave early.
💡politely usually goes with the asking, not directly before the reason.

2. with correct-sounding kindness that stays on the surface and does not show real

2.副詞B2
釋義

with correct-sounding kindness that stays on the surface and does not show real warmth or interest.

例句

Julia smiled politely, then turned back to her phone.

surface politeness without interest

The guests politely clapped, but nobody asked for another song.

同義詞
  • formally

    focuses on following social rules or official style, not on hidden feeling

  • coolly

    shows clearer emotional distance and can sound more negative

  • stiffly

    suggests awkward or uncomfortable correctness

反義詞
  • warmly

    shows real friendliness and feeling

  • enthusiastically

    shows strong positive feeling instead of restrained correctness

  • sincerely

    stresses that the feeling or praise is genuine

文法句型

smile politely

politely clap

politely agree

politely praise

用法筆記

Often appears with verbs such as smile, clap, agree, praise, or say hello when someone follows social rules without much feeling. Distinguish from sense 1 (GOOD MANNERS): here the action may hide boredom, doubt, or dislike.

常見錯誤

❌He smiled politely because he was truly glad to see us.
✅He smiled warmly because he was truly glad to see us.
💡politely can suggest correct behavior without real warmth.
❌The crowd politely cheered for the winning team.
✅The crowd enthusiastically cheered for the winning team.
💡politely does not fit strong, excited support.