Synonyms and antonyms of Polite words and expressions in British Thesaurus

hope (verb)

used in polite statements

seem (verb)

used when you want to say something in a more careful or polite and less direct way

respectfully (adverb)

formal used for showing that you are being polite

perhaps (adverb)

spoken used as a polite reply to someone when you do not completely agree with what they have said

I’d/we’d be delighted ()

used for politely accepting an invitation, or agreeing or offering to do something

no disrespect (to) ()

used before you say something that might offend someone, to show that you do not intend to offend them

do you mind? ()

used for getting someone’s permission to do something. This can either be polite, impolite, or humorous. If someone says it in a loud way, they are showing that they are angry or annoyed

I took the liberty of doing something ()

used for telling someone that you have done something without their permission but you hope that they approve of this

excuse me ()

used for politely getting someone’s attention

excuse me ()

used for politely telling someone you are leaving

after you ()

used for politely telling someone that they can do something before you or can walk somewhere in front of you

be seated (spoken formal)

spoken formal used for politely asking someone to sit down

give/send (someone) your regrets ()

used as a polite way of refusing an invitation

if I may say (so) ()

used for introducing a personal comment when you know that the person you are speaking to may find this offensive

if you don’t mind me/my saying so ()

a polite way of telling someone that you do not want your comments or advice to offend them

I’m tempted/I’d be tempted to do something ()

used as a polite way of saying what you want to do, or what you think should be done

I wanted... ()

used for politely introducing something that you are going to say to someone, especially if it is quick or informal

I would prefer it if ()

used for telling someone politely not to do something

not to put too fine a point on it ()

used before saying something in a very direct way that may seem rude

not want to be/appear/sound etc ()

used for making what you are going to say seem less rude or extreme

pardon me (American)

American used when you want to pass someone in a small space

someone can’t say (something) ()

a polite way of saying that you do not want to give information to someone

something doesn’t bear repeating ()

used for saying that you do not want to say something that you have heard because it is not polite

there you are/go ()

used when you are giving someone something that they have asked for or that they have just bought

would like ()

used for saying politely what you or someone else wants