terribly polite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terribly polite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is excessively or overly polite, often to the point of being insincere or awkward. Example: "His response was so terribly polite that it felt more like a scripted performance than a genuine conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It's also terribly polite.

Independent

We were terribly polite.

The Guardian

It's all terribly polite but frightfully unforthcoming.

The Guardian

Art lovers on the whole are terribly polite.

The Guardian - Arts

It's all terribly polite, not a little dull and remote.

The New York Times

Everyone is being terribly polite, but it will be impossible to make them work.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"A terribly quiet — almost polite — death," he reflects when he sees a woman with a history of depression hanging from a beam in her living room.

The New York Times - Books

No polite preamble, no "Terribly sorry, I know your absurdly large dog wants desperately to urinate, but reliving the flood conditions of Hurricane Sandy so soon would be traumatic," just a simple, direct, turn-down.

The New York Times

As I discovered boys and developed a taste for their associated dramas it didn't seem terribly cool that my dad was a polite, charming, kind man.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I find it impossible to say no to polite requests from people who have something terribly interesting they need help with.

The Guardian

"The journalism was — to be polite — shoddy," he said, adding, "This was a terribly elementary journalistic failure".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "terribly polite" to subtly suggest that someone's politeness might be excessive or even insincere, rather than merely stating that they are polite. This adds nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "terribly polite" excessively in formal or academic writing. The phrase carries a slightly informal tone and can sometimes imply insincerity. Opt for more neutral or sophisticated alternatives like "extremely courteous" or "remarkably civil" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terribly polite" functions as an adverb-adjective combination, modifying the adjective "polite" to intensify its meaning. As indicated by Ludwig, it describes a heightened degree of politeness. The adverb "terribly" amplifies the politeness, suggesting it's either very significant or potentially excessive.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "terribly polite" is a grammatically correct way to describe someone exhibiting a high degree of politeness, as confirmed by Ludwig. However, it carries a subtle implication that the politeness might be excessive, insincere, or even comical. Its usage is relatively uncommon but readily found in journalistic and media contexts, suggesting a neutral to slightly informal register. While "terribly polite" is acceptable in many situations, writers should be mindful of its potential to convey skepticism or irony and choose alternative phrases like "excessively courteous" or "remarkably civil" when a more neutral tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessively courteous

Replaces "terribly" with "excessively" and "polite" with "courteous", both indicating a high degree of politeness.

overly gracious

Substitutes "terribly polite" with "overly gracious", suggesting a level of politeness that might seem excessive.

exceedingly well-mannered

Replaces "terribly polite" with "exceedingly well-mannered", focusing more on manners and etiquette.

remarkably civil

Uses "remarkably civil" instead of "terribly polite", emphasizing the civility aspect of politeness.

ostentatiously courteous

Emphasizes the showy aspect of politeness, implying that it is done to impress.

unusually refined in manner

Focuses on the refined nature of the politeness, making it stand out.

almost excessively deferential

Highlights the deferential nature of politeness, suggesting it's bordering on excessive.

outwardly very respectful

Emphasizes that the politeness is visible or apparent, indicating someone is respectful in behavior.

surprisingly well-behaved

Focuses on behavior more than inherent politeness, often used in contexts where good behavior is unexpected.

noticeably well-bred

Suggests that politeness is a result of good breeding, implying a certain social status.

FAQs

How can "terribly polite" be used in a sentence?

"Terribly polite" can be used to describe someone exhibiting excessive politeness. For example, "He was so "terribly polite" that I suspected he was hiding something".

What does it mean when someone is described as "terribly polite"?

It usually means they are being very polite, perhaps to an excessive degree, which might seem insincere or awkward. It can also imply they are trying too hard to be agreeable.

Are there synonyms for "terribly polite"?

Yes, alternatives include "excessively courteous", "overly gracious", or "remarkably civil" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "extremely polite" or "terribly polite"?

"Extremely polite" is more neutral and straightforward. "Terribly polite" can imply a sense of exaggeration or insincerity. Choose the phrase that best fits the nuance you want to convey.