civil

civ-il · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Relating to ordinary citizens and their concerns, as distinguished from military or religious matters.

  2. 2.

    Courteous and polite in manner.

  3. 3.

    Relating to the state or its citizenry.

  4. 4.

    (Of time) measured by the calendar rather than astronomically.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    civil war — A war between citizens of the same country.
  • •
    civil rights — Rights of citizens to political and social equality.
  • •
    civil servant — A government employee.
  • •
    civil disobedience — Nonviolent protest against unjust laws.
  • •
    civil liberties — Freedoms guaranteed to citizens.

Related words

Antonyms: military, rude, uncivil
See also: civic, civilian, polite
Synonyms: civic, courteous, polite, public

Etymology

From Old French civil, from Latin civilis ("relating to citizens"), from civis ("citizen").