civility

CEFRB2

/sɪˈvɪl.ɪ.ti/

noun

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    noun

    Polite and respectful behavior toward other people.

  2. 02

    noun

    Extra detail

    An individual act or expression of polite behaviour; a courtesy.

Examples

  • One step forward is a step towards civility.

  • She answered him with cold civility.

At a glance

Sits at B2 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
1
Citations
3

Also pronounced

  • [sɪˈvɪl.ɪ.tʰɪi̯]
  • /sɪˈvɪl.ɪ.ɾi/

Deep Dive

noun

Extra meanings

  1. The state or fact of being civilized; civilization.

  2. Speech or behaviour that is fit for civil interactions; politeness, courtesy.

  3. A civil office; a civil capacity.

More examples

In context

  • December 1749 Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield, letter to his son The insolent civility of a proud man is, if possible, more shocking than his rudeness could be.

  • Mr Lovelace received from every one those civilities which were due to his birth […]

  • 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.

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

The heated debate lacked blank, with each side shouting over opponents.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

noun

Borrowed from Latin civilitas: compare French civilité. English equivalent civil + -ity.