Definition: smoothly gracious or polite; sophisticated polish; well-mannered
Derivation: Latin, “sweet” <referring to sweetness of the mind versus sweetness to the tongue.>
Synonyms: Suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction; diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully; politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave in the handling of people; urbane implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience.
Quotes:
• There is no point in trying to be brutal if it’s not in your nature; there is no point in trying to be suave and sophisticated if it doesn’t come naturally. — Alan Michael Sugar (1947-) British businessman & author
• If you are well-mannered towards those whose views are similar to yours, you may be said to exhibit a fairly good character. But, if you behave properly with those holding divergent views from you or who criticize you, then you deserve to be credited with having an excellent character. — Maulana Wahiduddin Khan (1925–2021) Indian scholar & peace activist