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Civil Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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civil

[ˈsɪvəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

rights

Relating to ordinary citizens and their concerns, as distinct from military or ecclesiastical matters.

Synonyms

civic, nonmilitary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
civil

Similar to the first 'civil', it relates to citizens but can also be used in the context of non-criminal legal matters, such as civil law or civil engineering.

  • The professor teaches civil engineering at the university
  • They settled their dispute through civil legal proceedings
civic

Pertains to a city, town, or community and the responsibilities or activities associated with being a citizen.

  • Participating in civic duties like voting is essential in a democracy
  • The mayor spoke about various civic improvements planned for the city
nonmilitary

Emphasizes activities, objects, or personnel that are not part of the military. Often used to differentiate between military and civilian sectors.

  • The organization provides nonmilitary aid to war-torn regions
  • The project is managed by a nonmilitary team

Examples of usage

  • civil rights
  • civil liberties
Context #2 | Adjective

behavior

Courteous and polite.

Synonyms

courteous, polite, respectful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
civil

Appropriate for everyday situations requiring basic decency and good manners, often used in contrast to rudeness.

  • Despite their disagreement, they maintained a civil conversation
  • He was civil to his co-workers even though he didn't like them
polite

Common in both social and professional situations where traditional manners and etiquette are expected.

  • It is polite to say 'please' and 'thank you'
  • He was polite to everyone at the dinner party
courteous

Used when referring to behavior that is especially considerate and thoughtful, often in formal or professional settings.

  • The hotel staff was courteous and attentive to our needs
  • She received a courteous response to her inquiry
respectful

Usually applies in situations where reverence or admiration is expected, often involving authority or seniority.

  • Students should be respectful towards their teachers
  • She spoke in a respectful tone to the elders

Examples of usage

  • civil behavior
  • civil conversation
Context #3 | Noun

engineering

A civil engineer.

Examples of usage

  • He studied to become a civil.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Law

  • In legal terms, 'civil' refers to matters between private parties, as opposed to criminal law.
  • Civil rights are the rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality.

Culture

  • The phrase 'civil discourse' describes respectful and constructive conversation, important in democratic societies.
  • Civil society encompasses the institutions and groups that work for the common interests of citizens, like charities or community organizations.

Sociology

  • The concept of civil society suggests a space where individuals can come together for collective action outside of the state.
  • Civil norms are the unwritten rules we follow in society to maintain order and respect.

History

  • Civil Wars refer to conflicts between groups within the same country, often over power or rights, like the American Civil War.
  • Historically, the term highlighted the development of societal structures in ancient Rome, where citizenship implied civil rights.

Origin of 'civil'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'civil' comes from the Latin 'civilis', meaning 'relating to a citizen'.
  • It was used in English since the 14th century to describe things related to the state or society as a whole.

The word 'civil' originated from the Latin word 'civilis', meaning 'relating to a citizen'. Its usage in English dates back to the late 14th century. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass various meanings related to citizen rights, behavior, and engineering disciplines.

See also: civilian, civilianization, civilianizing, civilisation, civility, civilization, civilly, incivility, uncivil, uncivilized.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,121, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.