civilly
Americanadverb
-
politely; courteously.
-
in accordance with civil law.
Etymology
Origin of civilly
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.
Johnson was imprisoned late last year for contempt of court after being found civilly liable for $71 million in damages in a civil racketeering case.
From Slate ● May 28, 2026
While the Justice Department settles most tax matters civilly through fines, when prosecutors do charge criminal fraud, their conviction rate is over 90%.
From Salon ● Jan. 23, 2026
In general, the law is deferential to police, giving officers significant discretion to use force, making it difficult to hold them criminally or civilly liable.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 9, 2026
When their prison terms ends, a judge can civilly commit them to a state hospital, release them unconditionally or direct them into the DSH’s conditional release program.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 18, 2024
Then, civilly, he took them around for a tour.
From "Typical American" by Gish Jen
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.
