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.
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
This latest revelation is fueling debate over whether the city of L.A. or the state of California can be found civilly liable for its role in the fire.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 9, 2025
Whether it’s criminally or civilly, we’ll figure that out.
From Slate • Dec. 5, 2024
“My children are not of age to be left alone for long,” said I, speaking civilly.
From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya
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.
