Polite means showing consideration and respect for others through your words, actions, and manners. When you're polite, you say “please” and “thank you,” hold doors for people behind you, and wait your turn instead of interrupting. You speak kindly even when you disagree with someone.

Being polite doesn't mean being fake or pretending to like everyone. It means treating people with basic respect regardless of how you feel about them. You can be polite to a classmate you don't particularly enjoy working with by still listening when they speak and responding civilly. You can be polite when you're disappointed by saying “Thank you anyway” instead of complaining.

Different cultures have different ideas about what counts as polite behavior. In some places, it's polite to take off your shoes before entering someone's home. In others, arriving exactly on time is polite, while in some cultures, arriving a bit late shows respect by not seeming too eager.

Politeness is the quality of being polite. The opposite is rude or impolite. When you're polite consistently over time, people notice. They trust you more, enjoy your company, and are more likely to treat you well in return. Politeness creates smoother interactions and shows you understand that other people's feelings and comfort matter.