civilly

[siv-uh-lee]

See more synonyms for civilly on Thesaurus.com

adverb

politely; courteously.
in accordance with civil law.

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Origin of civilly

1400–50; late Middle English. See civil, -ly

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for civilly

Contemporary Examples

But it is unfortunate that people feel the need to disrupt a gathering where they could peacefully and civilly ask questions.
Olmert Heckled Again—This Time From the Left
Sigal Samuel
June 4, 2013

Historical Examples

She greeted me civilly and pressed the Doctor's hand warmly.
The Works of Whittier, Volume V (of VII)
John Greenleaf Whittier
"No, Mr. Graham's not in at present," Duncan told him civilly.
The Fortune Hunter
Louis Joseph Vance
"We are all religious in our several ways," said Casanova civilly.
Casanova's Homecoming
Arthur Schnitzler
"There's no flies to be had at this time of night, miss," he said, civilly enough.
Henry Dunbar
M. E. Braddon
The Ogre received him as civilly as an Ogre could do, and made him sit down.
The Fairy Tales of Charles Perrault
Charles Perrault

Word Origin and History for civilly

adv.

1550s, "with reference to citizenship or civil matters," also "in a well-bred manner;" from civil + -ly (2).

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper