politesse means civility, politeness, courtesy or gallantry; genteel politeness or an instance of this. It carries an Arena rating of 1727, earned across 6 head-to-head judged battles.
politesse is pronounced /pɒlɪˈtɛs/.
Why “politesse” is a great word
Politesse is the formal, elegant refinement of manners that elevates mere civility into an art, a cultivated gracefulness rooted in the artful polish of interaction. Its etymology traces from French *politesse*, from Italian *politezza* (from *pulire*, ‘to clean’), from Latin *polire*, ‘to polish, refine’; the word first appeared in English in the early 18th century. Unlike “etiquette,” which refers to a codified system of rules, or “cordiality,” which suggests a warm and heartfelt geniality, politesse is the refined quality and ceremonious execution of those manners. It is the slight, deliberate inclination of the head upon an introduction, the precisely timed offering of a chair, the flawless, impersonal smile that closes a difficult conversation—a protective lacquer over the rough grain of human relation, the civilized sheen we apply to the raw stone of contact, knowing it is both a barrier and a bridge.
Etymology
From French politesse, from Italian politezza, from polito, past participle of pulire (“to clean”), from Latin polire, present active infinite form of poliō (“to polish”).
noun
- Civility, politeness, courtesy or gallantry; genteel politeness or an instance of this.“So if you meet me, have some courtesy / Have some sympathy, and some taste / Use all your well-learned politesse / Or I'll lay your soul to waste”