civility
Americannoun
plural
civilities-
courtesy; politeness.
- Synonyms:
- tact, amiability, affability
-
a polite action or expression.
an exchange of civilities.
-
Archaic. civilization; culture; good breeding.
noun
-
politeness or courtesy, esp when formal
-
(often plural) an act of politeness
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of civility
1350–1400; Middle English civilite < Middle French < Latin cīvīlitāt- (stem of cīvīlitās ) courtesy. See civil, -ity
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.
Vocabulary lists containing civility
We the People: Civ
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"Because I Could Not Stop for Death" by Emily Dickinson
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John F. Kennedy, Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It follows recent warnings from the Jo Cox Civility Commission, which called for a central unit to address the abuse faced by all politicians.
From BBC • Feb. 4, 2024
In June, Mr. Ryan announced his resignation, telling employees that he planned to start the Center on Public Civility, a new project by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, where he is chairman of the board.
From New York Times • Jul. 22, 2023
Ryan will lead the newly formed nonpartisan Center on Public Civility at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, the Post said in a statement.
From Reuters • Jun. 12, 2023
Civility and faith in the criminal justice system should not be added casualties.
From Seattle Times • Mar. 3, 2023
But for the sake of Complaisance, he was under a Necessity of admiring the Extent of her Civility, and he even acknowledg'd how much he was oblig'd to her for it.
From The Travels and Adventures of James Massey by Patot, Simon Tyssot de
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
