civility

[ si-vil-i-tee ]

noun

, plural ci·vil·i·ties.

1. courtesy; politeness.

   Synonyms: amiability, affability, tact

2. a polite action or expression:

   an exchange of civilities.

3. Archaic. civilization; culture; good breeding.

civility

/ sɪˈvɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. politeness or courtesy, esp when formal
2. often plural an act of politeness

Other Words From

• over·ci·vili·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of civility¹

1350–1400; Middle English civilite < Middle French < Latin cīvīlitāt- (stem of cīvīlitās ) courtesy. See civil, -ity

Example Sentences

There often isn’t much respect and civility among the incoming messages on his social media feeds.

From Los Angeles Times

For nearly a decade now, Donald Trump, sexual predator and now convicted felon, has trampled even the loosest definition of civility into the ground.

From Los Angeles Times

The most terrifying scene on a Broadway stage at the moment occurs with complete civility.

From Los Angeles Times

However, this hasn't stopped political commentators from stressing that politeness and civility are “what the country has been saying they want more of.”

From Salon

After the cacophony of the Trump years, the civility of the 2024 vice presidential debate evoked an earlier era of political discourse.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• comity
• courtesy
• decorum
• politeness
• propriety
• respect