1
: the quality or state of being polite: such as
a
archaic
: mental polish : intellectual culture or refinement : elegance and good taste (as in a literary work)
renowned for the politeness of the character and editions of what he has published—John Evelyn
b
: polished or refined manners : courteous or socially correct behavior
politeness mustn't be mistaken for civility—Richard Joseph the art of chill and consummate politeness—Arnold Bennett politeness forbade they should contradict him—Samuel Lover
2
: a polite act or statement act
the old man, with many politenesses … led him—New Yorker cutting politenesses out of telegrams—Arnold Bennett
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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