politesse

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See also: Politesse

English

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Etymology

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From French politesse, from Italian politezza, from polito, past participle of pulire (to clean), from Latin polire, present active infinite form of poliō (I polish).

Pronunciation

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Noun

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politesse (countable and uncountable, plural politesses)

  1. Civility, politeness, courtesy or gallantry; or an instance of this.
    • 1968, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger (lyrics and music), “Sympathy for the Devil”, in Beggars Banquet, performed by Rolling Stones:
      So if you meet me, have some courtesy / Have some sympathy, and some taste / Use all your well-learned politesse / Or I'll lay your soul to waste
    • 1978, Iris Murdoch, The Sea, The Sea, Vintage, published 1999, pages 56–57:
      The reference in his letter to ‘having a drink’ is of course just an empty politesse.
    • 2011, Thomas Penn, Winter King, Penguin, published 2012, page 7:
      The soft politesse concealed a sharp observer, a gleaner of information, cool under pressure and used to having to think several steps ahead []

Translations

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French

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Etymology

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Borrowed from Italian politezza.

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /pɔ.li.tɛs/
  • Rhymes: -ɛs
  • Audio:(file)

Noun

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politesse f (countable and uncountable, plural politesses)

  1. (uncountable) politeness, courtesy
    Antonym: impolitesse
    Near-synonym: courtoisie
    une formule de politesse(please add an English translation of this usage example)
    par politesseout of courtesy, out of politeness, for politeness' sake
  2. (countable) polite remark or action
    Near-synonyms: courtoisie, gentillesse

Derived terms

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Descendants

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  • English: politesse
  • German: Politesse

Further reading

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