ENGLISH
REFERENCE

civil

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈsɪvəɫ// UK //sˈɪvəl// civ·il Academic Archaic General-service

adj. polite and formal in a way that is just enough to be respectful, even if you do not like the person. It also describes things that relate to ordinary citizens rather than the military or religion.

adj. adhering to the minimum standards of social politeness; also relating to the private rights of citizens and legal proceedings that are not criminal in nature. Often used to distinguish secular or domestic matters from military or ecclesiastical ones.


SIMPLE

They managed to have a civil conversation despite their disagreement.

CONTEXTUAL

The two neighbors remained civil toward each other for the sake of the children, though they were no longer friends.

COMPLEX

While the dispute began as a personal grievance, it eventually escalated into a civil lawsuit concerning property boundaries and historical land rights.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English cyvyl, civil, borrowed from Old French civil, from Latin cīvīlis (“relating to a citizen”), from cīvis (“citizen”). Cognate with Old English hīwen (“household”), hīrǣden (“family”). More at hind; hird.

Usage

When describing behavior, it often implies a cold or forced politeness. In a legal context, it is used to contrast with 'criminal'.

Idioms2 entries

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