civility

American  

[si-vil-i-tee] / sɪˈvɪl ɪ ti /

noun

• civilities
  plural

1. courtesy; politeness.

   Synonyms:

   tact, amiability, affability

2. a polite action or expression.

   an exchange of civilities.

3. Archaic. civilization; culture; good breeding.

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civility British  

/ sɪˈvɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. politeness or courtesy, esp when formal

2. (often plural) an act of politeness

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• overcivility
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• civilities
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of civility

1350–1400; Middle English civilite < Middle French < Latin cīvīlitāt- (stem of cīvīlitās ) courtesy. See civil, -ity

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Explanation

Civility is the act of showing regard for others by being polite, like the civility you showed in speaking kindly to someone who has hurt your feelings. Civility comes from the Latin word civilis, meaning "relating to public life, befitting a citizen," in other words, being friendly and nice to everyone. When you show civility, you use kindness and good manners. You are respectful, even if you do not like that person very much. Civility can also mean formal politeness, like your behavior at a fancy dinner.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

civility civilities

His covert operation to sneak within the city walls was a betrayal of bedrock beliefs about honor and civility, a shameful act that brought humanity into a darker age.

From Salon ● Jul. 21, 2026

I described it as a relay race: We start with democracy and Piggy, then comes cracking of civility and Jack, then chaos with Simon, and finally war with Ralph.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 9, 2026

Some staff described concerns about a lack of "civility" between different teams working under stress, and managers who lacked awareness of "the reality of daily pressures".

From BBC ● Jun. 4, 2026

It means conducting ourselves with dignity and civility.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 31, 2026

All morning—from his strip-frisk outside the protective-custody unit to his handcuffing—he had been the soul of civility, and at the hearing he was no different.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

We count on mutual adherence to certain civilities and limits.

From Washington Post ● Jun. 6, 2018

“Even the most basic human civilities — a simple hello or thank you — routinely went missing from his vocabulary. A nod was too much to expect.”

From New York Times ● Mar. 19, 2018

Try to imagine Trump in an Iowa living room, with a macaroon in one hand and cup of hot chocolate balanced on a knee, observing Midwestern civilities while talking about something other than himself.

From Washington Post ● Aug. 12, 2015

David knows how to restrain himself, to conform to the little lies and surface civilities that allow society to function.

From The Guardian ● Jun. 25, 2010

They were soon gone again, rising from their seats with an activity which took their brother by surprise, and hurrying off as if eager to escape from Mrs. Bennet’s civilities.

From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

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Related Words

• comity
• courtesy
• decorum
• politeness
• propriety
• respect

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