comity
Americannoun
plural
comities-
mutual courtesy; civility.
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Also called comity of nations. courtesy between nations, as in respect shown by one country for the laws, judicial decisions, and institutions of another.
noun
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mutual civility; courtesy
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short for comity of nations
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the policy whereby one religious denomination refrains from proselytizing the members of another
Usage
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.
Etymology
Origin of comity
First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin cōmitās, equivalent to cōm(is) “affable” + -itās -ity
Explanation
The noun comity means a state of civility or courtesy between people, organizations, and nations. It's a hoped-for mutual respect and friendliness, although too infrequently the case in politics and business. Comity is one of those rare words that has retained its original meaning through the ages. The Latin adjective cōmis, "courteous, friendly," developed into the noun cōmitātem, meaning "courtesy or friendliness" and ultimately into English comity in the 16th century. The phrase "comity of nations," coined in 1862, refers to the mutual respect for each other's laws and institutions that encourages a friendly back-and-forth between nations.
Vocabulary lists containing comity
Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)
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This Week in Words: November 10 - 16, 2018
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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.
Somaliland has a government, a constitution, a currency, defined borders and social comity.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 4, 2026
He’s no newcomer to political comity, and has always seemed sincere promoting it.
From Slate • Dec. 16, 2025
For Katherine, this revelation is the key that will unlock global comity.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 9, 2025
This is in keeping with Fellowes’ penchant for purveying a fantasy of class relationships foregrounded by unforced comity and respect.
From Salon • Jun. 22, 2025
There, I saw not only flare-ups of ethnic animosity, but the comity that was also possible among men of different backgrounds.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
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.
