1. Civil (adjective): Relating to ordinary citizens and their concerns, as opposed to military or religious matters.
2. Civil (adjective): Polite, courteous, and respectful in behavior or speech.
3. Civil (adjective): Relating to laws governing private relations between members of a community, rather than criminal, military, or religious law.
4. Civil (adjective): Occurring between citizens of the same country, especially in reference to civil war or civil unrest.
The word "civil" can describe matters related to citizens, such as rights, duties, and laws. It also refers to behavior that is polite, respectful, and courteous in social interactions. In another sense, it distinguishes non-military or non-religious contexts, such as civil law versus criminal law. Discover how civil bridges law, society, and everyday conduct.
The word "civil" has broad applications in law, politics, social behavior, and conflict. Below are its main meanings and contexts.
As an adjective, "civil" refers to matters concerning ordinary citizens and their rights, duties, and relationships within a society, distinct from military or religious institutions.
"Civil" also describes courteous and respectful behavior, often used to emphasize politeness in interactions, even when there is disagreement.
In a legal sense, "civil" refers to laws that deal with private rights and disputes between individuals, as opposed to criminal law, which involves crimes against the state.
"Civil" is also used to describe conflicts, such as civil wars or civil unrest, which occur within a nation rather than between different countries.
"Civil" functions mainly as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe things tied to citizens, society, or polite behavior. It also appears in specialized phrases such as "civil rights," "civil law," or "civil service," showing its broad adaptability in different fields.
The word "civil" is pronounced as "SIV-uhl." The first syllable "siv" rhymes with "give," and the second is a soft "uhl," similar to the ending of "little." To practice, say "give" and quickly add "uhl."
Phonetic Pronunciation: /ˈsɪv.ɪl/
There are many words that carry a similar meaning to "civil," depending on the context.
Words that are opposite to "civil" indicate rudeness, hostility, illegality, or military involvement.
To understand how "civil" is used, here are examples in different contexts.
The word "civil" is frequently used in discussions of law, politics, social behavior, and conflict. It appears often in legal documents, history books, and everyday language. Its usage has remained steady, particularly in contexts related to civil rights, civil law, and civil discourse.
There are several variations of "civil" used in different contexts.
Exploring related words can help in understanding different meanings of "civil."
The word "civil" comes from the Latin "civilis," meaning "relating to citizens." It entered English in the late 14th century, first referring to ordinary citizens as opposed to the military or clergy. By the 1500s, it gained the sense of politeness and courtesy in social life. Today, it remains deeply tied to both governance and personal behavior.
Here are some common derivatives and compounds related to "civil."
People sometimes misspell "civil" in the following ways:
Idioms related to "civil" often describe politeness, order, or conflict.
1. What does "civil" mean in law?
"Civil" in law refers to private legal matters, such as contracts, disputes, and personal rights, rather than criminal cases.
2. What is the difference between "civil" and "criminal" law?
"Civil" law deals with private disputes between individuals, while "criminal" law deals with offenses against the state.
3. How does "civil" relate to behavior?
"Civil" behavior means being polite, respectful, and courteous in interactions with others.
4. What is a "civil war"?
A "civil war" is an armed conflict between opposing groups within the same country.
5. What are "civil rights"?
"Civil rights" are the legal protections and freedoms granted to individuals in a society, such as freedom of speech and equal treatment under the law.
6. What does "civil discourse" mean?
"Civil discourse" refers to respectful and constructive discussions, even when opinions differ.
7. What is a "civil engineer"?
A "civil engineer" is a professional who designs and builds infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings.
8. What is the meaning of "civil service"?
"Civil service" refers to government jobs that serve the public, excluding military and political positions.
9. What does "civil unrest" mean?
"Civil unrest" refers to protests, demonstrations, or violent disturbances within a country due to social or political issues.
10. How does "civil" apply to citizenship?
"Civil" relates to matters of citizenship, civic responsibilities, and the rights of people in a society.
The word "civil" encompasses legal, social, and political meanings, describing citizenship, respectful behavior, and non-criminal legal matters. It is widely used in law, governance, and everyday communication. Understanding "civil" in different contexts helps in legal discussions, social interactions, and historical references.
