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Civic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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civic

[ˈsɪvɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

related to society

Relating to a city or town, especially its administration; municipal.

Synonyms

community, municipal, public.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
civic

Use this word when referring to duties, responsibilities, or activities related to being a citizen of a town or city. It often involves participation in local government or community services.

  • She takes her civic duties seriously and always votes in local elections.
  • Civic pride can be seen in the way residents keep their city clean.
municipal

Use this term when talking about the government or administration of a town or city, particularly in formal or official contexts. It relates to city ordinances, services, and infrastructures managed by local authorities.

  • The municipal council approved the new budget for road repairs.
  • Municipal services include garbage collection and public safety.
community

This word is best when talking about a group of people living in the same area or having common interests. It emphasizes social bonds and collective identity.

  • The community came together to organize a neighborhood watch program.
  • He felt a strong sense of community at the local farmers' market.
public

This word is appropriate when referring to something that is open or accessible to all people or the general population, often in opposition to private. It can describe services, places, or information.

  • The library is funded by public money and is free for everyone to use.
  • Public parks are a great place for families to spend time together.

Examples of usage

  • The group is involved in various civic activities to improve the community.
  • She received a civic award for her outstanding contribution to public service.
Context #2 | Adjective

regarding citizenship

Of or relating to a citizen, citizenship, or the duties and rights of citizens.

Synonyms

citizen, citizenship, civic duty.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
civic

This word relates to activities or duties associated with a town or community, particularly about participation in public affairs. It's often used when talking about community involvement or responsibilities.

  • She takes great pride in her civic responsibilities.
  • The city organized a civic event to promote community engagement.
citizen

This word refers to a legally recognized inhabitant of a particular country or city. It is used when discussing the people who have certain rights and responsibilities within a country or community.

  • Every citizen has the right to free speech.
  • As a citizen of this country, you are entitled to healthcare benefits.
citizenship

This word denotes the status of being a citizen and the qualities or duties related to it. It's often used when discussing the legal state of belonging to a particular nation or community, and sometimes in broader contexts related to the rights and responsibilities of citizens.

  • He applied for citizenship after living in the country for five years.
  • Citizenship comes with both rights and responsibilities.
civic duty

This phrase is used to describe an obligation of a citizen towards their community or country, often referring to participation in government or community service. It emphasizes the idea of responsibilities that come with citizenship.

  • Voting is considered a civic duty.
  • Serving on a jury is a civic duty that ensures a fair justice system.

Examples of usage

  • Civic responsibility is an important aspect of being a good citizen.
  • The civic duty to vote in elections is crucial for a functioning democracy.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Political Science

  • Civic engagement involves activities like voting, community service, and participating in local government.
  • Studies show that civic participation correlates with higher levels of community trust and social cohesion.
  • Civic education in schools aims to teach students about their rights and responsibilities as citizens.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures have unique models of civic participation, from community councils to national mobilization.
  • Civic traditions, like town hall meetings, foster open dialogue and collective decision-making.
  • In some countries, civic duty includes mandatory military service or community work for young citizens.

History

  • The Greek city-states had a strong emphasis on civic responsibility amongst citizens in democratic governance.
  • American civic values were significantly shaped by the Founding Fathers, who believed in active citizen participation.
  • In the 19th and 20th centuries, global movements for civil rights emphasized the importance of civic equality.

Education

  • Civic education is included in many school curriculums to prepare students for active roles in society.
  • Programs encouraging civic engagement often focus on teaching young people about local issues and solutions.
  • The concept of 'service learning' combines community service with classroom instruction to promote civic responsibility.

Origin of 'civic'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'civic' comes from the Latin 'civicus', meaning 'pertaining to citizens'.
  • In ancient Rome, the term referred to the rights and responsibilities of citizens in a republic.
  • The root 'civis' means 'citizen', emphasizing the role of individuals in a community.

The word 'civic' originated from the Latin word 'civis', meaning 'citizen'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century, initially used in the context of municipal affairs. Over time, 'civic' evolved to encompass a broader sense of community involvement and citizenship, reflecting the interconnectedness between individuals and society.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,019 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.