Polite vs. Friendly: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 11, 2023
Polite refers to showing good manners and courtesy, while friendly denotes warmth and kindness in behavior.
Key Differences
Polite and friendly are both positive attributes but have distinct focuses. Being polite is about observing good manners, social norms, and showing respect, irrespective of one's personal feelings. On the other hand, being friendly suggests a genuine warmth, kindness, and a desire for a positive connection.
In many social interactions, it's possible to be polite without necessarily being friendly. For instance, two strangers may engage in a civil conversation marked by politeness but lack the personal warmth that characterizes friendliness. Similarly, a shop assistant might be polite in serving a customer without being particularly friendly.
Conversely, it's possible to be friendly without always adhering to the strict rules of politeness. Friends joking around might forgo some formalities in favor of a relaxed and friendly demeanor. Yet, their interaction is marked by warmth and mutual affection, indicating friendliness.
It's ideal when politeness and friendliness converge, creating interactions that are both courteous and warm. A host might welcome guests with a polite greeting, but it's the friendly conversation and genuine interest that makes guests feel truly welcomed.
Comparison Chart
Primary Definition
Showing good manners and courtesy.
Denoting warmth and kindness in behavior.
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Depth of Connection
Surface-level, can be devoid of personal warmth.
Implies a deeper, genuine warmth or connection.
In Practice
Observance of social norms and etiquettes.
Demonstrates personal interest and warmth.
Motivation
Often driven by societal expectations.
Driven by genuine feelings or intentions.
Interaction Example
A courteous nod to a stranger.
A hearty conversation with a neighbor.
Polite and Friendly Definitions
Polite
Showing or marked by good manners.
He gave a polite nod to acknowledge her.
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Friendly
Indicating or promoting a harmonious relationship.
The neighbors had a friendly chat over the fence.
Polite
Free from rudeness or vulgarity.
It's polite to wait your turn in line.
Friendly
Showing kindness and goodwill.
She has a friendly disposition towards everyone.
Polite
Characterized by respect for others.
Even in disagreement, he remained polite.
Friendly
Warm and approachable in nature.
His friendly smile made people feel at ease.
Polite
Considerate of others.
He was polite enough to hold the door for her.
Friendly
Not hostile or antagonistic.
The two companies maintained a friendly competition.
Polite
Marked by or showing consideration for others and observance of accepted social usage.
Friendly
Having a pleasant demeanor and affable manner.
She is always friendly, even on her busiest days.
Polite
Refined; elegant
Polite society.
Friendly
Characteristic of or behaving as a friend
A friendly greeting.
Is friendly with his neighbors.
Polite
Well-mannered, civilized.
It's not polite to use a mobile phone in a restaurant.
Friendly
Outgoing and pleasant in social relations
A friendly clerk.
Polite
(obsolete) Smooth, polished, burnished.
Friendly
Favorably disposed; not antagonistic
A government friendly to our interests.
Polite
To polish; to refine; to render polite.
Friendly
User-friendly.
Polite
Smooth; polished.
Rays of light falling on a polite surface.
Friendly
(Informal) Easy to understand or use for a specified agent. Often used in combination
A reader-friendly novel.
A consumer-friendly policy.
Polite
Smooth and refined in behavior or manners; well bred; courteous; complaisant; obliging; civil.
He marries, bows at court, and grows polite.
Friendly
(Informal) Low in amount relative to a standard or regular circumstance. Often used in combination
Carbohydrate-friendly.
Polite
Characterized by refinement, or a high degree of finish; as, polite literature.
Friendly
In the manner of a friend; amicably.
Polite
To polish; to refine; to render polite.
Friendly
One fighting on or favorable to one's own side
"You're the only friendly we have there right now" (Tom Clancy).
Polite
Showing regard for others in manners, speech, behavior, etc.
Friendly
Generally warm, approachable and easy to relate with in character.
Your cat seems very friendly.
Polite
Marked by refinement in taste and manners;
Cultivated speech
Cultured Bostonians
Cultured tastes
A genteel old lady
Polite society
Friendly
Inviting, characteristic of friendliness.
He gave a friendly smile.
Polite
Not rude; marked by satisfactory (or especially minimal) adherence to social usages and sufficient but not noteworthy consideration for others;
Even if he didn't like them he should have been civil
Friendly
Having an easy or accepting relationship with something.
A user-friendly software program
A dog-friendly café
The use of environmentally friendly packaging
Polite
Observing conventional social standards.
She was always polite in her correspondence.
Friendly
(in compounds) Compatible with, or not damaging to (the compounded noun).
The cobbled streets aren't very bike-friendly.
Organic farms only use soil-friendly fertilisers.
Our sandwiches are made with dolphin-friendly tuna.
Friendly
Without any hostility.
A friendly competition
A friendly power or state
Friendly
Promoting the good of any person; favourable; propitious.
A friendly breeze or gale
Friendly
Of or pertaining to friendlies (friendly noun sense 2, below). Also applied to other bipolar confrontations, such as team sports.
The soldier was killed by friendly fire.
Friendly
(number theory) Being or relating to two or more natural numbers with a common abundancy.
Friendly pairs
Friendly n-tuples
Friendly
(sports) A game which is of no consequence in terms of ranking, betting etc.
This match is merely a friendly, so don't worry too much about it.
Friendly
A person or entity on the same side in a conflict.
Friendly
(archaic) In a friendly manner, like a friend.
Friendly
Having the temper and disposition of a friend; disposed to promote the good of another; kind; favorable.
Friendly
Appropriate to, or implying, friendship; befitting friends; amicable.
In friendly relations with his moderate opponents.
Friendly
Not hostile; as, a friendly power or state.
Friendly
Promoting the good of any person; favorable; propitious; serviceable; as, a friendly breeze or gale.
On the first friendly bank he throws him down.
Friendly
In the manner of friends; amicably; like friends.
In whom all graces that can perfect beautyAre friendly met.
Friendly
A friendly person; - usually applied to natives friendly to foreign settlers or invaders.
These were speedily routed by the friendlies, who attacked the small force before them in fine style.
Friendly
A member of one's own military forces, or of allied forces.
Friendly
Characteristic of or befitting a friend;
Friendly advice
A friendly neighborhood
The only friendly person here
A friendly host and hostess
Friendly
Favorably disposed; not antagonistic or hostile;
A government friendly to our interests
An amicable agreement
Friendly
Easy to understand or use;
User-friendly computers
A consumer-friendly policy
A reader-friendly novel
Friendly
Of or belonging to your own country's forces or those of an ally;
In friendly territory
He was accidentally killed by friendly fire
FAQs
Is politeness always genuine?
No, politeness can sometimes be a mere observance of etiquette without genuine warmth.
Does being friendly always mean being polite?
Not always; one can exhibit warmth (friendly) without adhering to strict social norms (polite).
Is friendliness tied to personal feelings?
Often, yes. Friendliness usually stems from genuine warmth and positive intentions.
Is being polite culturally dependent?
Yes, what is considered polite can vary across cultures.
Can friendliness be faked?
It can be, but genuine friendliness is usually marked by sincere warmth and kindness.
Can someone be polite but not friendly?
Yes, one can exhibit good manners (polite) without showcasing personal warmth (friendly).
Is a friendly person always approachable?
Generally, yes. Being friendly often makes one seem approachable.
Is politeness always verbal?
No, politeness can also be shown through actions, gestures, and body language.
Why is it important to be polite?
Politeness facilitates smooth and respectful interactions in society.
Is friendliness a personality trait?
It can be, but it's also a behavior that can be cultivated.
Do friendly people have more friends?
Not necessarily, but their warm demeanor might attract more social interactions.
Does being polite mean avoiding confrontation?
Not necessarily, one can address issues politely without being confrontational.
Can one be too polite?
Yes, excessive politeness might be seen as inauthentic or overly formal in some contexts.
Can animals be friendly?
Yes, animals can exhibit friendly behaviors and form bonds with humans and other animals.
Can politeness be perceived as distant?
Sometimes, excessive politeness without warmth can seem distant or insincere.
Is friendliness an emotional state?
It can be linked to one's emotional state, but it's also a behavioral disposition.
How can one practice politeness?
By being considerate, listening actively, and observing social etiquettes.
Is being polite the same as being politically correct?
No, though both involve sensitivity, politeness is broader, while political correctness focuses on avoiding offense.
Are friendly people always extroverted?
No, both extroverts and introverts can be friendly in their own ways.
Can friendliness be misunderstood?
Yes, sometimes friendliness might be misinterpreted as flirtation or insincerity.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
