civility

pronunciation

How to pronounce civility in British English: UK [səˈvɪləti] word uk audio image

How to pronounce civility in American English: US [sɪˈvɪlɪti] word us audio image

Noun:

formal or perfunctory politeness
the act of showing regard for others

Word Origin

civility (n.): late 14c., "status of a citizen," from Old French civilite (14c.), from Latin civitatem (nominative civitas) "the art of governing; courteousness," from cvilis "relating to a citizen, relating to public life, befitting a citizen; popular, affable, courteous" (see civil). Later especially "good citizenship" (1530s). Also "state of being civilized" (1540s); "behavior proper to civilized persons" (1560s).

Synonym

n.

politeness tact good respectfulness mannerliness respect deference elegance behaviour elegancy ceremony courtliness courteousness refinement decorousness polish politesse

n.

courtesy decorum comity propriety amenity grace protocol manners urbanity suavity

Example

1. But civility has been sacrificed to the gratuitous insult .

2. And yet . Amid the anger and gloom , civility endures .

3. Behind the civility , however , there are high stakes .

4. Despite such civility , mr obama will never win many religiously conservative votes .

5. The reason for the new civility ?

more: >How to Use "civility" with Example Sentences