Civil
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civil¹
- /ˈsɪv.əl/ Australia, Canada, US, UK
Rhymes with -ɪvəl
Where it comes from
From Middle English cyvyl, civil, borrowed from Old French civil, from Latin cīvīlis (“relating to a citizen”), from cīvis (“citizen”) ultimately from proto-Indo-European *ḱey-. Cognate with Old English hīwen (“household”), hīrǣden (“family”). More at hind; hird.
(polite): Compare typologically urbane (<< Latin urbs), courteous (akin to court).
adjective more civil · civiler · most civil · civilest
- Having to do with people and government office as opposed to the military or religion. She went into civil service because she wanted to help the people.
- Behaving in a reasonable or polite manner; avoiding displays of hostility. It was very civil of him to stop the argument.
- In a peaceful and well-ordered state. Herein thou haſt done good ſeruice to thy country: VVere all inhumaine ſlaues ſo ſerued as he, England would be ciuill, and from all ſuch dealings free.
- Relating to private relations among citizens, as opposed to criminal matters. a civil case
- Secular. As if our Saviour had said, No man can enter into heaven except he be born again; so as he speaketh not only of notorious Sinners, as Adulterers, Drunkards, Swearers, & c. but of all who are in their natural condition, tho' they live never so unblameably, free from scandalous sins, if they be not bo
Civil²
proper noun Civils
- A surname.
