How to pronounce polite
Say it like puh-LYTE. Polite has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LYTE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce polite. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- puh
- LYTE
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Polite pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- puhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- LYTESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of polite
American and British speakers say polite in essentially the same way: /pəˈlaɪt/ in the US and /pəˈlaɪt/ in the UK.
British respelling: puh-LYTE.
What does polite mean?
- showing regard for others in manners, speech, behavior, etc.
- marked by refinement in taste and manners“cultivated speech”“cultured Bostonians”
- not rude; marked by satisfactory (or especially minimal) adherence to social usages and sufficient but not noteworthy consideration for others“even if he didn't like them he should have been civil”
Where does polite come from?
From Latin polītus (“polished”), past participle of poliō (“to polish, smooth”); see polish.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with polite
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of polite.
Questions about saying polite
How do you pronounce polite?
Say puh-LYTE. The American pronunciation is /pəˈlaɪt/. In British English it is /pəˈlaɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in polite?
Polite has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LYTE). Broken into parts: puh · LYTE.
Do Americans and Brits say polite the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /pəˈlaɪt/ and the British form is /pəˈlaɪt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.