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Meaning & use

not polite

phrase·Everyday

Last updated

UK/nɒt pəˈlaɪt/
US/nɑːt pəˈlaɪt/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    Behaving in a way that is rude or shows no respect for other people.

    Grammar: Used after linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', 'sound', or 'look'. It describes a person's behavior, not a thing.

    Patterns

    • be not polite
    • it is not polite to do something
    • not polite to someone

    It is not polite to interrupt when someone else is speaking.

    He was not polite to the waiter, and everyone at the table felt uncomfortable.

    She gave a not polite reply, which surprised everyone.

  2. phrasefixed phrase

    Not showing good manners in a particular situation or culture.

    Grammar: Often used with 'to' plus an infinitive: 'not polite to ask'.

    Patterns

    • not polite to do something
    • not polite in a situation

    In some cultures, it is not polite to ask someone's age.

    It's not polite to talk with your mouth full.

    Wearing shoes inside the house is not polite in many countries.

Common combinations

not polite to ask
It's not polite to ask how much money someone earns.
not polite to interrupt
It's not polite to interrupt when someone is telling a story.
not polite to stare
It's not polite to stare at people on the bus.
not polite to point
It's not polite to point at someone in public.
not polite to talk with your mouth full
My mother always said it's not polite to talk with your mouth full.

Synonyms and how they differ

impolite
This is the more formal, single-word adjective; 'not polite' is more common in everyday speech.
rude
Stronger than 'not polite'; 'rude' suggests deliberate bad behavior, while 'not polite' can be milder or accidental.
discourteous
Very formal and rather old-fashioned; 'not polite' is the everyday choice.

Opposites

politecourteouswell-mannered

Word family

politely adverb
In a polite way.
politeness noun
The quality of being polite.
impolite adjective
Rude; not polite (more formal).

Commonly confused: not polite or impolite?

not polite vs impolite

This is one word and slightly formal; 'not polite' is two words and more conversational.

Practice

It is not polite ___ your phone during a job interview.

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