CIVIL

Definition of CIVIL

CIVIL Adjective

Civil is an adjective that refers to matters related to citizens, society, and the functioning of the state, as well as to behaviors and norms that align with societal expectations of decency and respect. It encompasses aspects of law, conduct, and societal interactions.

Relating to Citizens and Society: Civil as an adjective pertains to matters involving citizens and their interactions within a society. For example, “Civil rights are fundamental to a democratic society.” This usage highlights the relevance of civil aspects in ensuring fair and equal treatment within a community.

Pertaining to Law and Government: In legal contexts, civil refers to laws and legal proceedings that address non-criminal disputes between individuals or organizations. For instance, “The civil case involved a dispute over property ownership.” This reflects the role of civil law in resolving conflicts outside the criminal justice system.

Polite and Respectful Behavior: Civil also describes behavior that is polite, courteous, and respectful. For example, “Despite their disagreement, they maintained a civil tone during the discussion.” This emphasizes the importance of civility in maintaining respectful and constructive interactions.

Non-Military: Civil can distinguish non-military matters from those related to armed forces. For instance, “The civil engineers worked on infrastructure projects, separate from military engineering.” This usage differentiates between civilian and military responsibilities.

Relating to Public Affairs: Civil can describe aspects related to public affairs and administration that concern the public at large. For example, “Civil services are essential for the functioning of government operations.” This highlights how civil aspects are integral to public administration and services.

Social Order and Stability: Civil often pertains to maintaining social order and stability within a society. For example, “Civil unrest can threaten the stability of a country.” This reflects the role of civil matters in preserving societal order and addressing issues that disrupt public harmony.

Respecting Legal and Social Norms: Civil also encompasses adherence to legal and social norms that govern interactions within a community. For example, “They adhered to civil procedures as outlined in the legal guidelines.” This underscores the importance of following established norms and procedures in societal interactions.

In conclusion, civil is an adjective that covers a range of concepts related to citizens, societal norms, and legal matters. It describes issues pertaining to public and legal affairs, respectful behavior, and non-military aspects. Understanding civil helps in appreciating its role in ensuring fairness, order, and respect within a society and its institutions.

Examples of CIVIL in a sentence

  • The civil rights movement aimed to end racial segregation and discrimination.
  • They conducted a civil ceremony at the courthouse before having a larger celebration later.
  • The civil engineering team designed the new bridge to ensure it could support heavy traffic.
  • Maintaining a civil tone during disagreements helps to resolve conflicts more effectively.
  • The civil service job required a high level of professionalism and dedication.
  • She studied civil law to better understand the legal rights and obligations of individuals.
  • The civil engineers were responsible for planning and overseeing the construction of public infrastructure.
  • Despite their political differences, they managed to engage in a civil discussion about the issues.

Origin of CIVIL

Civil traces its origins back to the Latin word civīlis, which means “relating to citizens” or “pertaining to public life.” This term is derived from cīvis (citizen).

  • Latin: Civīlis (relating to citizens), from cīvis (citizen).
  • Old French: The Latin civīlis evolved into Old French as civil, meaning “relating to the community or citizens.”
  • Middle English: The term entered Middle English as civile, referring to matters related to civil society or public conduct.

In contemporary English, civil describes aspects related to the organization of citizens or society, such as civil law, civil rights, or civil behavior. It can also mean courteous or polite in social interactions. The term has evolved from its Latin roots of relating to citizens to encompass both legal and social contexts. Civil highlights the aspects of public life, societal organization, and etiquette in interpersonal interactions.

Synonyms

  • Polite
  • Courteous
  • Respectful
  • Well-mannered
  • Civilized
  • Tactful
  • Considerate
  • Cordial

Antonyms

  • Rude
  • Impolite
  • Discourteous
  • Uncivilized
  • Abrasive
  • Hostile
  • Offensive
  • Aggressive

Related

  • Civility
  • Etiquette
  • Manners
  • Courtesy
  • Respect
  • Social behavior
  • Protocol
  • Decorum

🌐 🇬🇧 CIVIL in other languages

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