POLITENESS

politeness, civility

(noun) the act of showing regard for others

politeness, niceness

(noun) a courteous manner that respects accepted social usage

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

politeness (usually uncountable, plural politenesses)

The quality of being polite.

Synonyms

• (the act of being polite): affability, civility, courtesy, courtliness, etiquette

Antonyms

• (the act of being polite): impoliteness, rudeness

Source: Wiktionary

Po*lite"ness, n.

1. High finish; smoothness; burnished elegance. [R.] Evelyn.

2. The quality or state of being polite; refinement of manners; urbanity; courteous behavior; complaisance; obliging attentions.

Syn.

– Courtesy; good breeding; refinement; urbanity; courteousness; affability; complaisance; civility; gentility; courtliness.

– Politeness, Courtesy. Politeness denotes that ease and gracefulness of manners which first sprung up in cities, connected with a desire to please others by anticipating their wants and wishes, and studiously avoiding whatever might give them pain. Courtesy is, etymologically, the politeness of courts. It displays itself in the address and manners; it is shown more especially in receiving and entertaining others, and is a union of dignified complaisance and kindness.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition