polite expression

Mannered verbal gesture

A polite expression is a conventional phrase used to show courtesy or good manners: please, thank you, excuse me, I beg your pardon.

These formulas smooth social interaction without necessarily conveying literal meaning—saying How are you? rarely invites a detailed health report.

Some polite expressions soften requests or disagreements: Would you mind... , I'm afraid I can't.

Related

thank you · much obliged · excuse me · beg your pardon · gracious · respectful · tactful · with all due respect · cordial · kind regards · genteel · civility · etiquette · diplomatic · refined · considerate · pardon · formal

Opposites
social register/courtesy

polite expressioninsult

Offensive remark or action

profanity · obscenity · slur · curse word · expletive

directness/formality

polite expressionharsh words

unvarnished truth · straight talk · coarse language

directness/indirectness

polite expressionharsh truth

Uncomfortable accurate statement

brutal honesty

Family

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Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G