civility
Americannoun
PLURAL
civilities-
courtesy; politeness.
- Synonyms:
- tact , amiability , affability
-
a polite action or expression.
an exchange of civilities.
-
Archaic. civilization; culture; good breeding.
noun
-
politeness or courtesy, esp when formal
-
(often plural) an act of politeness
Other Word Forms
- overcivility noun
Etymology
Origin of civility
1350–1400; Middle English civilite < Middle French < Latin cīvīlitāt- (stem of cīvīlitās ) courtesy. See civil, -ity
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A good teacher will insist on civility but will respect the right of students to challenge dominant ideas and dissent from them.
"Let's bring civility and manners back. Ask yourself, are you helping a pregnant woman put her bag in the overhead bin? Are you dressing with respect?"
From BBC
Moments later, the footage jumps to passengers brawling in terminals and shouting at flight attendants before Duffy appears on screen urging travelers to bring bygone civility back to air travel.
From Los Angeles Times
The president has called for civility and dialogue, while panels and town halls are being organized to discuss immigration, labor rights, and political expression in constructive ways.
From Salon
“I’m trying to call that out,” Newsom said, adding that in a normal political climate, leaders should model civility and respect.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
