politely

From polite + -ly.

• IPA^(key): /pəˈlaɪtli/

• Audio (Southern England):

  (file)

• Rhymes: -aɪtli
• Hyphenation: po‧lite‧ly

politely (comparative more politely, superlative most politely)

1. in a polite manner

   If pressed about a serious accusation like rape, you can politely reply that you can’t answer questions pertaining to such an allegation without legal representation and wish to remain silent.

   • 1986, John le Carré, A Perfect Spy:

     It was night once more and Mary had got through another day without throwing herself politely from a top floor window or scrawling filthy words on the dining room walls.