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

You know this, I know this, and all of the smarmy pundits clucking about civility and counseling graciousness in defeat know this.

From Slate

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

From Los Angeles Times

“That type of debate, through a lens of respect and civility, is something that I’ve always kind of envisioned and gravitated to. When it comes to politics, I enjoy it. It’s interesting to me. It’s entertaining to me.”

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

Instead, it hollowed out newsrooms while privileging callow plutocrats who smarmily inform us that civility and neutrality will cure the crisis that they and their peers created.

From Slate

Related Words

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