noun
- formal expressions of politeness or courtesy; polite remarks or gestures
Usage: formal; plural form of politesse
Examples
- After exchanging the usual politesses, they got down to business.
- The dinner began with polite politesses about the weather.
- She was tired of empty politesses and wanted honest conversation.
- The ambassador’s speech was filled with diplomatic politesses.
- Beyond the social politesses, they had little to say to each other.
- The meeting opened with brief politesses before addressing serious matters.