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View synonyms for comity

comity

[ kom-i-tee ]

noun

, plural com·i·ties.
  1. mutual courtesy; civility.
  2. Also called comity of nations. courtesy between nations, as in respect shown by one country for the laws, judicial decisions, and institutions of another.


comity

/ ˈkɒmɪtɪ /

noun

  1. mutual civility; courtesy
  2. the policy whereby one religious denomination refrains from proselytizing the members of another
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of comity1

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin cōmitās, equivalent to cōm(is) “affable” + -itās -ity
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Word History and Origins

Origin of comity1

C16: from Latin cōmitās, from cōmis affable, obliging, of uncertain origin
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Example Sentences

Even now, we need to be sure of her professed commitment to strengthen the legal and economic foundations of working- and middle-class security and comity.

From Salon

Flav’s enthusiasm is not as staged, making news-grabbing moves like his guarantee to help American discus thrower Veronica Fraley pay her rent come off as legitimately generous and in the Games’ spirit of comity.

From Salon

Decades ago, right-wing political quacks like Newt Gingrich concluded that comity and compromise on the part of politicians made the government look too good, as if it could actually work.

From Salon

He said the step clashed with an international concept of the “comity of nations,” which recognizes that countries’ laws have territorial limits.

It’s also possible to engage in probing conversations and push back against inconsistencies without abandoning any earned sense of comity with the other person.

From Salon

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More About Comity

What does comity mean?

Comity means mutual respect or civility. When two people or groups show comity, they behave toward each other in a way that’s respectful, courteous, and polite.

The term is used in a more specific way to refer to mutual respect demonstrated by two nations, especially by respecting and abiding by each other’s laws and judicial decisions. This is sometimes referred to by the phrase comity of nations.

Example: The two nations have a long tradition of comity, which makes the recent disagreement about extradition seem very unusual.

Where does comity come from?

The first records of comity come from the 1500s. It comes from the Latin word cōmitās, from cōm(is), meaning “affable” or “friendly.” The suffix -ity is used to form abstract nouns that refer to a state or condition. When these elements are considered together, comity can be seen generally as a state of friendliness.

The term comity can refer to a sense of civility among two people or two groups in any setting. But it is especially used in the context of international law and business. In a legal sense, comity is the principle of respecting the laws of another entity. The phrase judicial comity refers to a court respecting the rulings of another jurisdiction. When used in the phrase comity of nations, comity refers to an interaction between countries in which each follows the laws of the other.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to comity?

  • comities (plural)

What are some synonyms for comity?

What are some words that share a root or word element with comity

 

  • comity of nations

 

What are some words that often get used in discussing comity?

 

How is comity used in real life?

Comity is most frequently used in political or legal contexts to describe the practice of recognizing the rules or laws of another party. It is also used more generally to describe a state of mutual respect between parties.

 

 

Try using comity!

Which of the following terms is NOT a synonym of comity?

A. civility
B. courtesy
C. disrespect
D. friendliness

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