civility

[ si-vil-i-tee ]

noun

, plural ci·vil·i·ties.

1. courtesy; politeness.

   Synonyms: amiability, affability, tact

2. a polite action or expression:

   an exchange of civilities.

3. Archaic. civilization; culture; good breeding.

civility

/ sɪˈvɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. politeness or courtesy, esp when formal
2. often plural an act of politeness

Other Words From

• over·ci·vili·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of civility¹

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

Example Sentences

As 4,000 troops occupied the building, the raucous scene was a far cry from the civility of lawmaking.

From Washington Post

Rather than accepting a race to the bottom that downgrades and divides us, we can together create a technology landscape that enables a race to the top—one that supports our interconnection, civility, and deep brilliance.

From MIT Technology Review

So it’s important to encourage people to have the patience, civility, and restraint to actually wait for the outcome of the election and to trust the process.

From Fortune

While this may seem like a reasonable statement for the sake of digital civility, it raised the eyebrows of many women, especially women of color, who have consistently been on the receiving end of Twitter death threats and worse for years.

From Ozy

Regarding culture, I’m very motivated and concerned this year about democratic norms and civility within our government.

From Ozy

The “new civility” promoted by Antoine Courtin expected the mouth to be kept shut when smiling.

From The Daily Beast

Indeed, they view us as children who can never adhere to the standards of civility and decency to which they hold other groups.

From The Daily Beast

We should expect the default to be civility, not harassment.

From The Daily Beast

Its civility has been crushed; its fragile peace has been blown apart by the mindless toxicity of a summer of violence.

From The Daily Beast

His second appearance was late Thursday, where he met civility with his own.

From The Daily Beast

Am I not in France—gay, delightful France—partaking of the kindness and civility of the country?

From Project Gutenberg

The same game of finesse was played at his own table; for there De Patinos had for some time assumed an air of civility.

From Project Gutenberg

A courteous manner, and graceful offer of service are valued highly when offered, and the giver loses nothing by her civility.

From Project Gutenberg

Nothing could rouse him out of his tame civility, which had been taken more than once for obsequiousness.

From Project Gutenberg

He omitted no opportunity of showing marked civility to Tallard.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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