What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
polite
Example
It's polite to say please and thank you when making a request. [polite: adjective]
Example
She spoke politely to the customer, even though they were being difficult. [politely: adverb]
respectful
Example
He was always respectful towards his elders, never interrupting or speaking out of turn. [respectful: adjective]
Example
She respectfully declined the invitation, explaining that she had other commitments. [respectfully: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Polite is more commonly used than respectful in everyday language. Polite is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while respectful is less common and often used in more formal or serious situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between polite and respectful?
Respectful is generally considered more formal than polite. It is often used in professional or serious contexts, such as business meetings or academic settings, where showing respect and deference is important.
