Civil
Etymology
Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin civilis, from civis
- Date: 14th century
Definitions
- 1 a : of or relating to citizens
- b : of or relating to the state or its citizenry <civil strife>
- 2 a : civilized <civil society>
- b : adequate in courtesy and politeness : mannerly <a civil question>
- 3 a : of, relating to, or based on civil law
Synonyms
polite, courteous, gallant, chivalrous mean observant of the forms required by good breeding. civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness <owed the questioner a civil reply>. polite commonly implies polish of speech and manners and sometimes suggests an absence of cordiality <if you can't be pleasant, at least be polite>. courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness <clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers>. gallant and chivalrous imply courteous attentiveness especially to women. gallant suggests spirited and dashing behavior and ornate expressions of courtesy <a gallant suitor of the old school>. chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior <a chivalrous display of duty>.