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Civilities Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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civilities

[sษชหˆvษชlษชtiz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

social behavior

Civilities refer to polite and courteous behavior or gestures in social interactions. They encompass the norms and manners that govern how individuals should conduct themselves in society. Practicing civilities promotes positive relationships and harmonious interactions among people.

Synonyms

courtesies, decorum, etiquette, manners, politeness.

Examples of usage

  • He greeted everyone with the usual civilities.
  • It's important to show civilities in formal gatherings.
  • She acknowledged his presence with the appropriate civilities.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Importance

  • In various cultures, civilities are crucial for social harmony, guiding interactions in formal settings like business meetings and diplomatic relations.
  • Different cultures have unique rituals of civility; for example, bowing is a common form of greeting in Japan, signaling respect.
  • In Western societies, shaking hands is a traditional form of civil greeting, symbolizing mutual respect and agreement.

Psychology

  • Practicing civilities can enhance oneโ€™s mood, contributing to an overall sense of well-being and happiness.
  • Research shows that acts of civility can lead to a ripple effect, encouraging others to behave kindly in return.
  • Politeness can reduce social anxiety, helping individuals feel more comfortable in group settings.

Literature

  • Many classic works explore the theme of civility, often contrasting polite society with the chaos of human instincts, as seen in Shakespeareโ€™s plays.
  • Civility plays a crucial role in character development; characters who uphold it often achieve greater social standing or personal fulfillment.
  • Famous authors like Jane Austen often highlighted civil behaviors in her novels, using them to critique societal norms.

Modern Usage

  • In todayโ€™s fast-paced world, civilities are sometimes viewed as outdated, yet many advocates emphasize their vital role in fostering community and connection.
  • The 'civil discourse' movement encourages respectful dialogue in political discussions, highlighting the importance of civility in democracy.
  • Social media has transformed how civilities are expressed, leading to debates about online etiquette and respect in digital communications.

Origin of 'civilities'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originated from the Latin 'civilitas', which referred to the condition of being a citizen and the accompanying social behaviors.
  • It developed in the late Middle Ages, evolving to represent courtesy and politeness in social interactions.
  • Over time, its meaning expanded to include the conventions and manners expected in society.

The word 'civilities' originates from the Latin word 'civilis', which means 'relating to a citizen or civil' and is derived from 'civis', meaning 'citizen'. The term evolved through the Middle French 'civilitรฉ', which referred to the quality of being civil or polite. Initially, civilities were associated with the social conduct expected in polite society. Over time, this term expanded to encompass a broader range of social norms and behaviors that indicate respect and consideration for others. As societies developed, the importance of civilities reinforced the need for individuals to interact harmoniously, thus contributing to the refinement of social etiquette. Today, civilities are viewed as essential components of effective communication and social well-being.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,458, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.