politely
adv/pəˈlaɪtli/
Etymology From polite + -ly.
1
in a polite manner
- If pressed about a serious accusation like rape, you can politely reply that you can’t answer questions pertaining to such an allegation without legal representation and wish to remain silent.
- It was night once more and Mary had got through another day without throwing herself politely from a top floor window or scrawling filthy words on the dining room walls.1986, John le Carré, A Perfect Spy:
- Synonyms
- civilly