comity

[kom-i-tee]

noun

plural

comities 

1. mutual courtesy; civility.

2. Also called comity of nations. courtesy between nations, as in respect shown by one country for the laws, judicial decisions, and institutions of another.

comity

/ ˈkɒmɪtɪ /

noun

1. mutual civility; courtesy

2. short for comity of nations

3. the policy whereby one religious denomination refrains from proselytizing the members of another

Word History and Origins

Origin of comity¹

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin cōmitās, equivalent to cōm(is) “affable” + -itās -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of comity¹

C16: from Latin cōmitās, from cōmis affable, obliging, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

For Katherine, this revelation is the key that will unlock global comity.

From Los Angeles Times

Those predictions, however, have usually been followed by renewed signs of comity between the two men.

From BBC

"There's a lot of comity here between a state and a federal court, and even on a federal issue, we have to respect state court rulings."

From Salon

Even now, we need to be sure of her professed commitment to strengthen the legal and economic foundations of working- and middle-class security and comity.

From Salon

Flav’s enthusiasm is not as staged, making news-grabbing moves like his guarantee to help American discus thrower Veronica Fraley pay her rent come off as legitimately generous and in the Games’ spirit of comity.

From Salon

Related Words

• accord 
• affection 
• agreement 
• closeness 
• devotion 
• good will www.thesaurus.com
• harmony 
• intimacy 
• love 
• pact 
• rapport 
• society 
• solidarity 
• understanding 

When To Use

What does comity mean?

Comity means mutual respect or civility. When two people or groups show comity, they behave toward each other in a way that’s respectful, courteous, and polite.The term is used in a more specific way to refer to mutual respect demonstrated by two nations, especially by respecting and abiding by each other’s laws and judicial decisions. This is sometimes referred to by the phrase comity of nations.Example: The two nations have a long tradition of comity, which makes the recent disagreement about extradition seem very unusual.