Meaning

adjective showing regard for others in manners, speech, behavior, etc.

adjective marked by refinement in taste and manners

adjective not rude; marked by satisfactory (or especially minimal) adherence to social usages and sufficient but not noteworthy consideration for others; - W.S. Maugham

originFrom Latin polītus (“polished”), past participle of poliō (“to polish, smooth”); see polish.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 3.0