Civilities — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /sə-ˈvi-lə-tē/ ci·vil·i·ty

Meaning & Definition of Civilities

Civilities (noun)

  1. civilized conduct; especially, courtesy, politeness
  2. a polite act or expression
  3. training in the humanities

Civilities (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners

    "after the usual civilities, the parents and the principal had a serious talk about the boy"

    similar: amenities, attentions, courtesies, formalities, gestures, pleasantries
    related: honors, ceremonies, observances, rites, rituals, decorums, etiquettes, forms, manners, mores, proprieties, addresses, devoirs, greetings, regards, respects, favors, graces, protocols, rules

Related Entry: Civility (noun)

Civility is a different word from Civilities. The synonyms below are for civility, not for civilities.

  1. an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners

    "after the usual civilities, the parents and the principal had a serious talk about the boy"

    similar: amenity, attention, courtesy, formality, gesture, pleasantry, politeness
    related: honors, ceremony, observance, rite, ritual, decorum, etiquette, form, manners, mores, proprieties, addresses, devoirs, greetings, regards, respects, favor, grace, kindliness, kindness, protocol, rules

  2. speech or behavior that is a sign of good breeding

    "treated people from all walks of life with the same unfailing civility"

    similar: courteousness, courtesy, genteelness, gentility, graciousness, mannerliness, politeness
    related: attentiveness, consideration, thoughtfulness, ceremonialness, ceremoniousness, ceremony, formality, chivalrousness, chivalry, courtliness, gallantry, gentlemanliness, knighthood, knightliness, breeding, manners, suaveness, unctuousness, urbanity, elegance, refinement, deference, respect, decency, decorousness, decorum, gentilesse, polish, politesse, propriety, respectability, seemliness, affability, cordiality, friendliness, geniality, hospitality, sociability, felicitousness, gracefulness, humility, meekness, modesty, shyness
    opposite: discourteousness, discourtesy, impoliteness, incivility, rudeness, surliness, ungraciousness
    near: audaciousness, audacity, boldness, brashness, brassiness, disrespect, impertinence, impudence, insolence, sauciness, shamelessness, boorishness, churlishness, clownishness, loutishness, vulgarity, casualness, informality, delinquency, improperness, impropriety, inappropriateness, incorrectness, indecency, inconsiderateness, inconsideration, thoughtlessness, arrogance, conceit, presumption, pretentiousness

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Civilities

The most common words with a similar meaning to Civilities:

amenities, attentions, courtesies, formalities, gestures, pleasantries

Related Words for Civilities

honors, ceremonies, observances, rites, rituals, decorums, etiquettes, forms, manners, mores, proprieties, addresses, devoirs, greetings, regards, respects, favors, graces, protocols, rules

Origin & Etymology of Civilities

First known use: 1533

Frequently Asked Questions about Civilities

What does "Civilities" mean?

"Civilities" means civilized conduct; especially, courtesy, politeness. As a noun, it is defined as: civilized conduct; especially, courtesy, politeness.

What is another word for "Civilities"?

Other words for "Civilities" include amenities, attentions, courtesies, formalities, gestures and pleasantries. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Civilities" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Civilities"?

There are 26 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Civilities". Common alternatives include amenities, attentions, courtesies, formalities, gestures and pleasantries.

How do you use "Civilities" in a sentence?

Examples of "Civilities" in a sentence: "after the usual civilities, the parents and the principal had a serious talk about the boy".

Is "Civilities" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Civilities" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Civilities"?

"Civilities" is pronounced /sə-ˈvi-lə-tē/ and divided into syllables as ci·vil·i·ty.

What is the origin of the word "Civilities"?

First known use: 1533.

What is another word for "Civilities" meaning "an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners"?

When "Civilities" (noun) means an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners, synonyms include amenities, attentions, courtesies, formalities, gestures and pleasantries.