Civility Meaning
/sɪˈvɪl.ɪ.ti/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounSpeech or behaviour that is fit for civil interactions; politeness, courtesy.
nounAn individual act or expression of polite behaviour; a courtesy.
Sentence Examples
She answered him with cold civility.
One step forward is a step towards civility.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The heated debate lacked ____, with each side shouting over opponents.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
We should always treat each other with respect and basic ____ today.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed from Latin civilitas: compare French civilité. English equivalent civil + -ity.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"This is an exact Inventory of what we found about the Body of the Man-Mountain, who uſed us with great Civility, and due Reſpect to your Majeſty's Commiſſion."
— 1726 October 28, [Jonathan Swift], “The Emperor of Lilliput, Attended by Several of the Nobility, Come to See the Author in His Confinement. […]”, in Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World. […] [Gulliver’s Travels], volume I, London: […] Benj[amin] Motte, […], →OCLC, part I (A Voyage to Lilliput), page 43:
"Mr Lovelace received from every one those civilities which were due to his birth […]"
— 1748, [Samuel Richardson], chapter III, in Clarissa. Or, The History of a Young Lady: […], volume I, London: […] S[amuel] Richardson; [a]nd sold by A[ndrew] Millar, […], →OCLC:
"Monarchies have risen from barbarism to civility, and fallen again to ruin."
— 1612, John Davies, Discoverie of the True Causes why Ireland was never entirely subdued:
"For what an enormity is this in a chriſtian realme to ſerue in a ciuility, hauinge the profyt of a Prouoſtſhip and a Deanrye, and a Perſonage? But I wil tel you what is lyke to come of it. It wil bring the clergy ſhortly into a very ſlauery."
— 1549 March 25 (Gregorian calendar), Hughe Latymer [i.e., Hugh Latimer], Augustine Bernher, compiler, “[27 Sermons Preached by the Ryght Reuerende Father in God and Constant Matir of Iesus Christe, Maister Hugh Latimer, […].] The Second Sermon of Maister Hughe Latimer, which He Preached before King Edward [VI].”, in Certayn Godly Sermons, Made uppon the Lords Prayer, […], London: […] John Day, […], published 1562, →OCLC, folio 36, recto:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The heated debate lacked ____, with each side shouting over opponents.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
We should always treat each other with respect and basic ____ today.